Students say program has helped them focus on importance of education

May 15, 2018, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on Monday honored about 70 Government school students at the Al Qasimi Foundation College Preparation Program 2018 Student Annual Award Ceremony. The students received awards from His Highness for their efforts in improving themselves in a variety of subjects as they prepare to enter the world of higher education.   

His Highness Sheikh Saud said: 

“It was a privilege to be here and see these young achievers receive the awards they so richly deserve.

These students are giving themselves the best possible start in life by realizing the value of a good education early.”

“One of the pillars of success is education - and improving educational standards is one of the reasons I set up the Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. 

The Foundation’s work, focusing on education and health, is vital to ensure all communities are part of the UAE’s bright future.”

Three student award winners – Ms. Aisha Al Shemiele (Grade 10), Omar Al Shehhi (Grade 11) and Maryam Al Mansoori (Grade 12) – were invited to stage during the ceremony to tell the audience about their progress under the program, while Dr Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, delivered a welcome speech. 

Omar Al Shehhi, a Grade 11 student at Al Rams School who received a Most Outstanding Student award, said: 

“When I joined this program I spent a lot of time on my phone and didn’t spend much time studying. I felt that exams were for later but this program made me realize that I should study a lot more. Now I am choosing my future, managing my time better, not being late as much. The foundation has made me better at my studies, they showed me the mistakes I was making and have helped me improve myself.” 

Aisha Al Shemiele, a Grade 10 student, said: 

“I go to the Foundation after school just for an hour and a half, so it’s not taking a lot of time but I’ve had a lot of benefits. 

“I’ve learned the value of reading more books and I’ve been taught a lot of writing skills. Every week we speak in front of our classmates and that’s helped me become a more confident person.”

The RAK Chamber Theater event also saw numerous graduating Grade 12 students being given awards by H.H Sheikh Saud before they enjoyed a group photo with him. 

The 2018 Student Annual Award Ceremony is the culmination of more than 120 Government school students taking part in two Al Qasimi Foundation outreach programs – College Preparation (for students looking to attain a higher education abroad); and the Hands-on Learning Pilot Program. 

College Preparation Program – Supports the academic and personal development of talented Emirati students in Years 9 to 12 and prepares them to undertake university studies in the UAE and overseas. 

Hands-on Learning Pilot Program – Currently under way at Saeed bin Jubair Boys Secondary School and seeks to re-engage students who are at risk of dropping out. The program creates a safe and comfortable environment for them to be actively involved in hands-on building, landscaping, renovation and art projects that contribute to the school and local community and help to develop the students’ confidence and other life skills, such as collaboration, leadership, problem solving, resilience, communication and empathy. 

At the Ceremony, a variety of awards were given to students, some of whom won more than one. The honors included: 100% Attendance (22 awards), Most Improved in English (4), Best Readers (5) and Most Outstanding Students (4). 

H.H Sheikh Saud was accompanied at the event by a number of senior RAK Government officials, including Dr Mohamed Abdullatif Khalifa, Managing Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, and Ms Summaya Hareb, Director of RAK Education Zone.