Student unions and councils in higher educational institutions are considered a factory for moulding qualified personnel for the country, as well as a healthy extra curricular activity for youngsters.
The Emirates National Students Union is the main representative body of national male students in the country. It has been doing an eminent job in polishing abilities and skills of the future generation of the nation.
The union, which has several overseas branches, has its local branch based in the UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain.
Abdul Wahed Hasan Al Badi, President of the UAE branch, is soon to complete his tenure in office, and also preparing to graduate from the university.
He has also served as the secretary general of the union and has thorough knowledge of operations and activities of the union and the situations faced by the student community.
The union is in the process of electing a new president and office-bearers. Al Badi spoke to Gulf News about the union's achievements, programmes for the future, its importance for students, and its role in their development.
What is the role of the union in the development of students?It is a vital institution for students that creates a sense of responsibility at a stage when they are preparing to step into practical life.
The Emirates National Students Union not only polishes the abilities and skills of students but also provides them a platform to participate in the welfare of their fellow students and the community they are living in.
Since its inception in 1981, the union has organised numerous activities that helped students to show their mettle and abilities. Its value in creating organisational and leadership skills in students is unmatched.
The union has produced many leading personalities in the past who are rendering excellent services to the nation in different social and economic fields.
Its most beneficial aspect is that it creates confidence in students to come forward and demonstrate the God-gifted abilities and qualities as leaders, event organisers, managers and debaters among others.
It also extends various help to students in tackling problems, providing a platform for them to stay in touch with each other.
What is the organisational structure of the union?The union's emirates branch operates like the overseas branches under the umbrella of a body called General Conference that meets bi-annually. The conference operates under a seven-member executive council that takes care of all the branches.
A nine-member executive council headed by a president governs the local branch. We have a written constitution that covers all the activities of the union, including the election of the council every year.
We have just completed the first round of elections in which more than 2,000 members have elected a new council that will now elect a new president and other office-bearers.
How many branches does the union have outside the UAE and what is the future plan for them?The union's various branches are important organs rendering vital services to the students in various countries. The union currently has a branch in the UK where most of the national students are getting higher education.
Another branch is functioning in the U.S. The central executive council is now working to open a branch in Australia where a large number of students are studying. We have discussed the issue with the UAE ambassador to Australia and the branch will be established shortly.
What services does it provide to overseas students?Its basic function overseas is to maintain a link between the students, provide them a platform, offer them solutions to the various problems with the active assistance of the UAE embassies, and facilitate a cultural environment that is important away from home.
The overseas branches are serving both the male and female national students. This is not the case in the UAE where female national students have their own independent union. We need at least 20 students to open a branch anywhere outside the Emirates.
Are the national students aware of the expectations the nation attaches to them?Of course. An overwhelming majority of students, whether they are in the UAE or abroad, know that they are being trained and educated by the government to take up the future responsibilities.
No doubt that students are the future hope of every nation. Countries around the world are heavily investing in developing skills, knowledge, abilities and qualifications of their youngsters.
President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has listed education as one of the top priorities and is providing all possible means and resources for giving high quality education to young nationals.
I think the results have started pouring in as a qualified national workforce has constantly been increasing in the country. We are lucky to have a leadership that has a comprehensive vision of the future and is fully committed to preparing nationals with the best possible education, skills and knowledge to meet the future challenges.
I personally believe that students are fully aware of their leaders' support and expectations and will never let them down.
What are your notions about the national educational strategy, selection of educational programmes, and institutions of higher education in the country?Well, a fully planned educational system is something that sets the very basis of the future progress and development. Simply putting education on high priority without assessing the real requirements and a proper education system does not produce the required results.
The UAE government, under the wise leadership of Sheikh Zayed and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the emirates, has properly studied the present and future needs of the country.
That study has helped the authorities to put in place a proper education system and a chain of basic and higher education institutions. These institutions are offering courses and education programmes that suit the national requirements.
You know, the UAE needs qualified national human resources for different economic fields, and higher education institutions have produced qualified and skilled nationals over the years to take up responsibilities. I strongly believe that the authorities are fully alert to the national requirements and are regularly introducing changes in the system to meet the ever changing requirements.
Would you like to give any message to fellow students?Well, students are the hope of the nation. They should use the best of their abilities in learning and developing skills to justify the hefty spending on them. They should not indulge in activities leading to wasting of time and damaging the character of a person.
We are following a religion that attaches great importance to education, individual character and manners. We should follow the tenets of Islam to get guidance to maintain our inner cohesion.
Also participation in healthy extra-curricular activities is equally important as they help in character building and the development of individual personality.
Gulf News
