A VIP tour visit was organized to mark the importance of People of Determination

VIP delegates from ADEK, Mubadala and ZHO witness innovative activities conducted by People of Determination as part of the ‘lema?’ program

Over 300 students enjoyed specially designed ‘lema?’ sessions at the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO)

Abu Dhabi, February 19th, 2018:  The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) organized a VIP tour visit to the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO) as part of its ‘lema?’ program, in the presence of 300 students with special needs.

ADEK, Mubadala Investment Company (Platinum Sponsor for ‘lema?’) and ZHO delivered inspiring sessions to more than 300 students with special needs to mark the Year of Zayed and the 2018 UAE Innovation Month.

‘lema?’ is considered one of the five pivotal projects announced as part of the 2018 UAE Innovation Month and the ZHO visit correlates with the Abu Dhabi government’s aspirations to provide innovative and educational experiences to all students equally.

His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Sheryani, Acting Undersecretary at ADEK, lauded efforts exerted by the People of Determination at ZHO with the help of the ‘lema?’ programme: “The enthusiasm and ability to think out of the box and innovate is exactly what we aim to achieve and witness amongst all our pupils, who have been highly engaged and committed to creating something new and different. One of ADEK’s main priorities is to offer quality education opportunities for all pupils concerned, with emphasis on People of Determination, and the ‘lema?’ program offers the perfect opportunity to do that.”

ADEK’s Acting Undersecretary explained that the initiative comes in line with the Year of Zayed, which aims to spread tolerance and coexistence, while bringing about live examples of what the UAE Innovation Month in Abu Dhabi offers through its interactive activities and project.

“We continue to strive towards inspiring all young minds to take part in creative and exciting projects, thereby helping to build a new generation of talent with STEM capabilities and a deep passion for how these subjects can build a bright and healthy future for the nation,” stressed Dr. Al Sheryani.

Dr. Al Sheryani lauded the overall positive outcome brought about during the UAE Innovation Month in Abu Dhabi, and congratulated all young innovators for the exciting and creative work they have invested in. “The type of innovative projects witnessed during this month have been ground breaking, and the pupils make it seem effortless to innovate, which is exactly what we aim to achieve. Our youth have a drive and passion to construct and produce something new, one that comes naturally. I look forward to hearing that these amazing project ideas and level of enthusiasm continue throughout the year and years to come.”

His Excellency Abdullah A. Al-Humaidan, ZHO Secretary General, said: “We are thankful to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge for their efforts in raising the quality of education in Abu Dhabi to the highest international standards, giving all students in the UAE the opportunity to obtain the best possible level of education, and successfully integrating stakeholders and employees of Zayed Higher Organization with public schools.

“ADEK is a key strategic partner of ZHO, which is evident through the outstanding success of the integration of students of determination in public schools across the whole Emirate. This partnership helps align our efforts to provide integrated services to students of determination, enabling them to meet the challenges and adopt the changes in the field of education, and to make sure that they have all the tools to achieve success and use their abilities to the maximum, by giving them opportunities for active community participation.

“We are also grateful to Mubadala Investment Company for their support of the ‘lema?’ program, which is a good example of how the UAE Innovation Month can foster a culture of innovation through interactive activities. This shows the extent to which Mubadala contributes to economic growth for the benefit of Abu Dhabi in the long term.

“ZHO, headed by HH Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board, highly appreciates the role played by all governmental and private entities to empower people with determination and to stimulate children’s curiosity about science and technology as part of a long-term plan, to invest and develop UAE as a world-class competent base for innovation.”

Homaid Al Shimmari, DGCEO and Chief Human Capital & Corporate Services at Mubadala Investment Company said: “As part of our mission to support a sustainable, long-term future for our nation, Mubadala is committed to a range of education and training initiatives designed to prepare the next generation for the future. Mubadala is proud to partner with the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian care and Special Needs to support students with hands-on learning experiences in honor of the Year of Zayed. Through this initiative, we’ve been inspired by the young people we’ve met and their determination to make a positive difference to the world around us.”

Held over the course of six weeks, three times a year, the ‘lema?’ roadshow visits public and private schools in Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain Region and the Al Dhafra Region delivering Arabic and English workshops and shows aimed at students in Grades 3 to 7, which have been designed to work within the current curriculum.