On 27 September, more than 90,000 students, 18,000 staff members, and parents across over 100 Cognita schools and offices participated in the annual Global Be Well Day. This global event, now in its sixth year, emphasises the important connection between wellbeing and education. This year’s theme, ‘Giving’, inspired the Cognita community to dedicate their time and effort to positively impacting their local environments.
As part of the initiative, the Cognita family took part in a ‘Be Well Impact Hour’, during which they collectively donated over 500,000 hours towards activities designed to connect, support, and inspire meaningful change within communities worldwide.
A Focus on Wellbeing and Education
Global Be Well Day, a flagship event for Cognita, focuses on the significance of wellbeing in education. It highlights Cognita’s commitment to fostering holistic development in students. The event also showcases a variety of wellbeing-related activities designed to nurture mental, emotional, and physical health. At the heart of this initiative is Cognita’s Be Well Charter, a six-step framework rooted in global research, which guides students, staff, and families on their journey to lifelong wellbeing.
Dr Simon Camby, Group Chief Education Officer at Cognita, emphasised the significance of the day:
“Wellbeing is a fundamental part of the holistic education we deliver at Cognita schools worldwide. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the students, staff, and families who took part in this year’s Global Be Well Day, giving their time to make a real difference in their communities. In today’s fast-changing world, it’s essential that we equip our young people with the tools and knowledge to take care of both their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.”
Dr Camby also underscored the value of Global Be Well Day as a reminder of Cognita’s year-round commitment to promoting mental and physical health in education, saying:
“Although our schools focus on wellbeing throughout the year, Global Be Well Day provides a special opportunity for our global community to unite in recognising and celebrating the value of health and happiness.”
Activities Across the Globe
Schools and offices across Cognita’s four regions hosted a wide range of activities in support of local communities. These included environmental clean-ups, charitable contributions, and intergenerational projects. Highlights of the day include:
- North Bridge House Senior School & Sixth Form Canonbury in London hosted a litter-picking initiative at a nearby park, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.
- St Andrews International School Sathorn in Bangkok focused on preparing food and care packages for a local orphanage, highlighting the theme of giving back.
- Students at Colegio Nuevo Cambridge de Cali in Colombia spent time with local care home residents, fostering a connection across generations.
- At RGS Guildford Dubai, pupils gathered donations for a local animal shelter, showing compassion for animals in need.
Supporting Fellow Students and Staff
This year’s Global Be Well Day also provided an opportunity for students to give back to their peers and staff. For example, at Colegio Manquecura Ñuñoa in Chile, students prepared breakfast for the school’s cleaning and maintenance staff, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. Meanwhile, at Repton Al Barsha in Dubai, pupils entertained their younger schoolmates with face painting, creating a fun and memorable experience.
Continuing the Global Be Well Movement
As Global Be Well Day continues to grow in scope, Cognita remains dedicated to fostering an educational environment where wellbeing is prioritised. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that students and staff can have when they work together towards a common goal. By donating over 500,000 hours of time and energy, the Cognita family has once again demonstrated their commitment to driving positive change and ensuring that wellbeing remains at the forefront of education.
