05 September 2007

HE Shaikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, HCT Chancellor will inaugurate the activities of Adventure Quest Dubai.  More than 500 students from Dubai Men's College will participate in the Adventure Quest, Dubai which will be organized by World Challenge from 5-11 September 2007 at the Dubai Men's College campus in Academic City.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of HCT mentioned that this partnership came as a result of a cooperation program World Challenge UK, and HCT (CERT/Dubai Men's College) which has recently established the first 'Learn to Lead' program in the UAE. It is an award in personal development for students during a one, two or eight day period in one academic year. It is designed to develop life and personal skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, team building, initiative and leadership.

On the other hand Dr. Philip Hicks, DMC College Director mentioned that the Adventure Quest is composed  of three phases which are:

  • Phase 1 takes place at a world class, purpose built 'Adventure Quest' site at DMC, and takes one college day. Students work in teams on a series of carefully structured physical and problem solving tasks supervised by instructors and accompanied by staff. Measurable outcomes are recorded and performance monitored.   This phase is the event which will take place from 5-11 September 2007 in Dubai Men's College.

  • Phase 2 takes place off site at a pre-determined location where students camp out for one night under canvas, encouraged in their teams to arrange their own logistics, make decisions and carry out other basic tasks.

  • Phase 3 takes place over 4 nights and 5 days and is an expedition in wild country. The climax to the Award, the phase challenges students mentally and physically over an extended period in leadership skills, supervised by instructors and accompanied by College staff.

    All HCT students will be eligible to participate in part of, or the complete program. College staff accompanying students on the program will participate in a brief period of training to familiarise themselves with the 'Learn to Lead tasks that will be undertaken by students. College staff interested in seeing the program at first hand should contact John Evans at DMC to arrange a visit to the Adventure Quest site.

    After Ramadan the program will be offered to schools, colleges and corporate clients in the UAE.

    According to Phil Corcos, Associate Director at Dubai Men's College 'Education in the UAE is changing to a new strategy to develop standards of leadership and personal development as part of an important initiative initially highlighted by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.  The series of adventure activities will give UAE students the opportunity to experience tough physical challenges, and learn to manage risk.  This very different approach to education has been working successfully in the UK for many years'.

    Students who complete phase 1 of the program successfully will be awarded their Silver Learn to Lead Award.  DMC students will soon be offered the chance to gain their Gold Award through completing a residential base camp where they will be set challenges such as low ropes, high ropes, climbing, water activities and trekking.  Those who complete this can then go on to their Platinum Award where they will complete a demanding overseas expedition.

    Charles Rigby, Chief Executive of World Challenge said' "I am delighted to be launching Learn to Lead in Dubai.  There is a lot we can do for students here and I can't wait for their journeys of personal development to start.  World Challenge can also learn much from this experience too and I am very impressed by the speed that people work here.  I know expectations of Learn to Lead are very high but I am confident that schools and colleges will be impressed with what we have to offer.  I am very grateful to DMC and to members of the Dubai community for giving us this opportunity".

    -Ends-

    For further information, please contact:
    Manal Emam
    Community Relations Coordinator
    Tel: 04 4038309
    Email: manal.emam@hct.ac.ae

    • © Press Release 2007