Doha, Qatar - May 1, 2012:  In collaboration with Language Bridges and Carnegie Mellon University, United Development Company (UDC) recently celebrated the graduation of its second batch of English language students.

The objective of Language Bridges is to provide free of charge basic English Language classes to expatriate laborers working in Qatar. The classes are taught by Carnegie Mellon in Qatar student volunteers trained by Professor Silvia Pessoa.  Over the course of 8 weeks with two-hour sessions a week, the program is designed to teach functional English that will enable the workers to communicate on their construction site, in case of an emergency, at the exchange counter when sending money back home and other everyday basic communication.

Silvia Pessoa said "I'm very proud of the 28 Carnegie Mellon students and their learners.  Everyone has done an excellent job and have demonstrated that with commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm great things can be accomplished." 

UDC sponsored the graduation ceremony along with Carnegie Mellon University.

The 104 graduates, all UDC employees, were awarded completion certificates at a special graduation ceremony at Carnegie Mellon University on April 15, joining the 65 successful students who finished the course in 2011.

Language Bridges Program Director, Julie Zawadzki, said the results for the 2nd year of the initiative confirm its value and sustainability.' Our volunteer teachers have been totally committed, flexible and  often very creative in order to provide the best experience for their learners.  Language Bridges is a team effort and I'd like to thank everyone involved for their generosity in offering their time and skills, and unfailing support throughout.'

Rita Khairallah, General Manager of Human Resources at UDC said the program was a life changing initiative.

 "On behalf of UDC Management, I want to thank Language Bridges and Carnegie Mellon for their great initiative in improving people's lives in Doha," Khairallah said. "We are grateful to the volunteer teachers who were able to touch the lives of each of our employees forever. I think it is a great feeling to share the knowledge that we have with others and I am sure that they are all proud of their achievements."

A new batch of students from UDC will take the next Language Bridges program in coming months.

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About United Development Company (UDC)
Founded in 1999, United Development Company (UDC) has been listed on the Qatar Exchange since June 2003 and is one of Qatar's leading private sector shareholding companies.

The United Development Company was established with the vision to identify and invest in long-term projects contributing to Qatar's growth and providing lasting shareholder value.

UDC's target areas of interest include: infrastructure and utilities, energy-intensive industries, hydrocarbon downstream manufacturing, real estate, urban development, maritime and environment-related businesses, hospitality, retail and fashion, information technology, media and communications, insurance and other services. 

UDC has shown an ability to attract and partner with the highest quality of international talent, bringing outside expertise to bear on significant developments in Qatar and beyond. It has also demonstrated a successful model for synergistic growth, creating and operating a diverse portfolio of substantial businesses that leverage off one another and generate additional revenue streams in new markets.

UDC's founders and current Board Members are among Qatar's most successful investors and developers. Thousands of Qatari shareholders hold 75 percent of the total shares and the remaining 25 percent are held by other GCC and international investors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Corporate Communications
corporatecommunications@udcqatar.com

© Press Release 2012