Young Emirati students lead the way to change

April 1, 2010, Dubai -Following the launch by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, of the new Education Strategy 2010 -2020 and posting it on his official website, Dubai Women's College (DWC) thought of having its students getting actively engaged in the country's decision-making. As a result, 237 DWC students in the foundation year looked into the strategy, analyzed its content and came up with suggestions aimed at introducing changes into the UAE education practices.

Dr. Howard Reed, DWC Director, said that "We are very proud of our students for giving the constructive comments on the Education Strategy. DWC believes that student participation in decision making builds confidence and a sense of community responsibility".

Dr Bahjat Al Yousuf, DWC Associate Director Manager, commented that "the participation of our students is the biggest proof that they are taking their first steps on the path of leadership through their determination to find a place for themselves among the educational decision-makers."

 Sama Al-Khalid, Arabic language faculty staff, who suggested this initiative, remarks that the foundation year students competed to send their views and suggestions, out of their eagerness to help protect the national identity and to show keenness of the young generation to gain higher levels of knowledge. "They are also keen to gain new skills mentioned in the strategy. This generation boasts modern knowledge, which gives the UAE an edge over the neighbouring countries and even vies with the international education community," she said. "I want my students to make their imprint and express serious opinions to be taken into account despite their young age. Therefore, I wanted them to get trained in swift response by encouraging them  to get effectively engaged in leading change and be proud of their national identity after His Highness called on everyone, including students, to send their suggestions and views to the website within a certain frame of time," added Al-Khaldi.

Al-Khaldi pointed out that the best thing about this issue is the message the sender gets upon sending her suggestions. "This message is directly addressed to the sender and carries the signature of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed," she commented.

Some students have printed this message and shared its reading with the family and friends or they have added it to their own pages on the famous social networking website Facebook. "This message will continue to be the highlight of the e-mails of several students who said they will never delete it," she said.

For her part, Rawda Majan, a foundation year student, expressed her jubilation for making suggestions on the outlines of the strategy, saying that she would be happier if some of her suggestions were carried out in the next years.

"I wholeheartedly thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum for giving us the chance to express our views of the education strategy. This reflects the importance of our views and role in society and the development of education. Appreciation is also due to His Highness for replying to my participation via his official website. This reflects his interest in students' participation and opinions," said Asma Abdullah bin Yass, a DWC student.

Muza al-Muheiri, a foundation year student, mentions that she is proud of airing her opinion about the education strategy and wishes more progress and distinction for the UAE. "I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum for giving us the chance to express our views," she said.

Meanwhile, student Bouthaina Qatami said: "I could not believe my eyes when I opened my e-mail account and found a message signed by His Highness thanking me for my suggestions. Overjoyed, I rushed to break the news to my family. This message will remain a source of pride for me forever. I thank His Highness for this inspiring initiative."

Dubai Women's College provides a distinguished education environment in line with world standards for young Emirati females to enable them to take on the future challenges. DWC endeavours to groom a qualified generation to serve the country in all fields, including the technology sector, by developing students' self-confidence and offering them all help to achieve career brilliance.

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About Dubai Women's College
Dubai Women's College (DWC), with more than 2,200 students, is part of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). The HCT is one of the leading higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates with 16 campuses located throughout the country delivering a wide range of quality programs to over 16,500 students.  DWC was established in 1989 and offers Bachelor and Diploma degrees in Business, Information Technology, Education, Health Sciences, and Applied Communications.  Today, DWC is the quality provider of top-quality National women graduates in Dubai.  DWC's mission is to provide a learning environment for young women to "Practice the Future" by developing confidence, professional excellence and an ethical commitment to leadership roles in a rapidly developing local economy.

For more information, please contact
Dubai Women's College/Higher Colleges of Technology
Tel: 04-208-9269                
Email: abrar.mikkawi@hct.ac.ae

© Press Release 2010