Dubai: GEMS Education has honoured 500 teachers and staff from 31 schools at the GEMS Modern Academy, for their continued and dedicated long service to the company.
The award ceremony recognised all staff who have completed 15 years and more, of committed service to the GEMS Network.
Among the employees who were honoured, 12 had served at GEMS for over 30 years.
They each hold a diverse background within the education space, from teachers and educational supervisors to senior administration, who have all been passionate about their job, and have helped influence the lives of the thousands of students.
“Our track record of high quality education in the region, over the past 55 years was built, grown and nurtured by our teachers and staff. We would like to thank and recognise each one for their dedicated approach to students and the wider GEMS family. They stand as examples of what the education sector needs today – a long standing commitment to students,” said Sunny Varkey, Founder and Group Chairman of GEMS Education.
Zakiya Omran, Educational Supervisor at Our Own English High School – Sharjah, has been with the group for over 40 years. “I was interviewed by Madame Varkey and joined Our Own English High School in 1972, as a young 21 year old Arabic teacher, at the Bastakiya school in Bur Dubai,” she said explaining how it all began. “My 44 year association with the GEMS Education has been a deeply enriching experience for me,” added Omran.
Omar Macram, government relations administrator at Jumeirah College Dubai, began his career 32 years ago as an Arabic and Quran teacher at Our Own English High School. He explained why he chose to be in education within the same company for over three decades: “As teachers and educators we play multiple roles. We have to be mentors, leaders, friends and most importantly a team player with our students and other staff members. My time at GEMS Education has been rewarding both professionally and personally, as I have had the privilege to interact with students and staff from all walks of life and regions of the world,” he said.
Daisy Justus, a member of the GEMS Education community for more than 35 years and Head of the English department at Our Own High School in Al Warqa’a, owes her success as an educator to her students: “Teaching is a learning experience for me, an experience in which my students teach and inspire new ideas and philosophies. My most rewarding experience has been in being able to play an integral part in shaping the future of future citizens, as that is the power that education holds,” said Justus.
