Manama: The search for an individual or group to become the next Laureate of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Prize for Education has been launched in Qatar, organizers said.
The $500,000 prize, the first to recognise contributors to education at a level similar to other major prizes for science, literature, peace or economics in the world, is now in its second year. It pays tribute to those in any sector whose achievements have had a significant and lasting impact upon education at any level and have demonstrated an inspiring and visionary approach.
"This year again, I hope that the nominations will cover the entire scope of what education can bring to the world, from an outstanding contributor to academic research to an on-the-ground practitioner whose work has benefited many," Dr Abdullah Bin Ali Al Thani, WISE Chairman, said. "The perfect profile may also be someone who has shone the light of education in adverse circumstances, or who has uncovered and nurtured talent which had lain unnoticed and neglected," he said.
Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's Emir, awarded the inaugural WISE Prize for Education to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairman of BRAC, at the 2011 WISE Summit in Doha.
Abed has spent over 40 years developing the Bangladesh-based BRAC into a broad initiative dedicated to assisting the neediest to gain skills and empowerment through education.
BRAC has contributed directly to the education of more than 10 million young people from pre-primary through to secondary levels.
BRAC is now active in nine other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the world, providing a wide range of education programs which have benefited nearly 140 million individuals.
"Our selection process is highly rigorous to ensure that the individual or group we identify embodies the highest degree of excellence. We received several hundred nominations last year and look forward to an even stronger response in 2012," Dr Abdullah said.
Nominations are accepted from individuals and institutions with a demonstrable commitment to education, including universities, schools, colleges, teachers organizations, research facilities, international organizations, governments, private corporations and the media.
A high-level Committee will make a pre-selection of the nominations received from around the world and an international Jury will make the final choice of the Laureate whose name will be announced at the Fourth WISE Summit to be held on November 13-15 in Doha.
Organisers said that the closing date for nominations was March 31 and that the nomination process was strictly confidential.
