Rolla Khaddage has grabbed every opportunity for professional development with the British Council, helping her to realise her potential as a leader in education.

Rolla's journey with the British Council began in 2010 when she took part in our Connecting Classrooms programme. As the English Co-ordinator at her school, she attended workshops aimed at creating partnerships with UK schools. Later, she stepped up to lead these efforts, marking a major turning point in her relationship with the British Council.

Since then, Rolla has taken part in many of our programmes, including multiple editions of Connecting Classrooms and Schools Connect.

These experiences reaffirmed Rolla’s commitment to education, leading her to become a teacher trainer. She trained with UK experts and eventually validated over 150 trainers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rolla’s commitment to mental health and well-being became clear when she launched Shining Within. The project ran virtual workshops to support teachers and students in MENA. Her work reached over 1,500 teachers and 500 leaders, proof of her passion for fostering supportive educational environments.

Rolla’s participation in international conferences, such as Leading Learning for the 21st Century in Beijing, further cements her role as an educational leader.

Looking to the future, Rolla plans to continue working in education as a consultant and coach. Focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment, she hopes to help others realise their potential and build their confidence.

Rolla’s journey highlights the British Council’s role in personal and professional development, demonstrating how education can transform lives.

‘Through my journey with the British Council, I’ve learned that true leadership is about empowering others. Education is not just about knowledge; it’s about building confidence and creating opportunities for everyone to shine.’ Rolla Khaddage, Educational Leader