DEBA Lecturers and Mentorship Support Committee Empower Students at Vocational and Technical Education Hackathon

From 26 to 29 January, schools witnessed an inspiring display of creativity and innovation during the Vocational and Technical Education Hackathon, where students transformed ideas into practical solutions with the guidance of the Mentorship Support Committee. The committee played a vital role in nurturing young talents by offering structured mentorship aimed at strengthening problem-solving skills, teamwork, and real-world application of technical knowledge.

The Mentorship Support Committee was represented by dedicated members Fatma Al-Ajmi, Anwaar Alshibli, and Khadija Al-Isaaei, who worked closely with students throughout the four-day event. Their continuous engagement ensured that participants received valuable support at every stage of the innovation journey.

During the hackathon, mentors assisted students in clearly understanding and defining problem statements, helping them focus on real challenges within vocational and technical fields. They encouraged idea generation and guided students in validating their concepts to ensure practicality and feasibility. In addition, the committee provided advice on effective teamwork, planning strategies, and time management—key skills essential for both academic and professional success.

Technical guidance was another major area of focus, as mentors helped students assess the real-world applicability of their proposed solutions. The committee also supported students in preparing their final projects and presentations, enabling them to confidently showcase their work before judges and peers.

The impact of the mentorship was evident in the noticeable improvement in students’ project quality and presentation skills. Participants demonstrated stronger critical thinking abilities, enhanced collaboration, and increased confidence in expressing their ideas. Many students successfully linked vocational and technical education concepts to real-life problems, reflecting the effectiveness of hands-on mentorship.

In conclusion, the active participation of the Mentorship Support Committee significantly contributed to the success of the Vocational and Technical Education Hackathon. By empowering students with guidance, encouragement, and practical insights, the committee helped foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking. This initiative highlighted the importance of structured mentorship in developing technical competencies and preparing students to meet real-world challenges, reinforcing the goals of vocational and technical education programs.

The hackathon not only served as a platform for innovation but also as a valuable learning experience that inspired students to think critically, work collaboratively, and pursue practical solutions for the future.