Abu Dhabi: Nearly 157 Emirati students have graduated with Bachelor of Education degrees from an Abu Dhabi based university during a ceremony held on Sunday under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA).

The graduates have been exclusively trained in the Adec’s New School Model (NSM), which emphasizes on child centered learning over rote learning.

“I congratulate each and every single graduate and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, and assure them that they have chosen a well reputed and honorable career path,” Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, director general of Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), said.

“Your tasks from now on are challenging and very significant. You will make a difference in the development of our education and will take part in relaying some of the best international practices in our schools,” he added.

These graduates, who were trained at the Emirates College of Advanced Education (ECAE), included 137 Emirati students, out of which 6 students are male graduated and 151 are female graduates.

Five of these graduating students have already been employed in different Adec schools across the capital, and are well trained and qualified on Adec’s new school model (NSM).

“As Emirati teachers you will perform a vitally important cultural duty in ensuring that you are all exemplary role models for the children in your classes to follow,” Professor Jim Mienczakowski, vice chancellor of ECAE, said.

“You are teaching children not alone to count, read and write but, through the example of your very own behavior and conduct, how to be good citizens as well as good Emiratis,” he added.

A total of 10 graduating male and female students were placed on the Dean’s list. They have managed to achieve a term grade point average of 3.8 or above.

“Graduating from the college has prepared me with immense knowledge, skills and experience in working in the field of education. It is my responsibility now to contribute to the development of my country as well as encourage high school graduates to consider this life-changing opportunity,” Mariam Al Hammadi, one of Emirati Dean’s list graduates, told Gulf News.

Speaking about how she feels on her special day, Shaikha Matar Al Naqabi, a 25- Emirati graduate said, “ECAE has given me wonderful hands on learning experience. I feel confident about my abilities in teaching the young children within the UAE.”

Nour Ali Al Kaaf, another graduate student and a mother of six children told Gulf News, “I am looking forward to work on my master. Teaching for me is not just any profession; it molds character, activates thinking and stimulates learning.”

Additionally, Saeed Ali Saleh Al Ameri said, “The support and encouragement of our country’s leaders have encouraged me to pursue education and become a teacher in the school. I call all male Emirati high school graduates to join me in the teaching profession and increase the number of male teachers.”

“This profession is a major key to build our nation’s economy and its future generations that are capable of leading the country towards a brighter tomorrow,” he added.