Dubai: Dozens of top school students recently won a scholarship covering a year’s tuition as part of the Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Awards for Excellence.
The awards were presented by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, at a ceremony held at GEMS Nations Academy.
The awards were launched by GEMS Education in 2005 under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan to honour Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for her contributions to the empowerment of women in the UAE and her support for excellence in all areas.
Shaikha Fatima is known as the Mother of the Nation.
The awards were given to 38 students from GEMS schools in the UAE, nominated by their schools for “outstanding academic success, commitment to social responsibility and Global Citizenship”.
Shaikh Nahyan addressed the winners, telling them: “The 21st century world needs the most enlightened and sensible leadership that it can find. You, extraordinary young women today represent half of that world, a world that women as much as men should lead.”
He congratulated the students, their parents and teachers, and encouraged the students to think about a profession in teaching. “In today’s world, quality education is more important than ever. And because you have demonstrated so well the essential value of education, perhaps you yourself will choose to become a teacher — I hope, a great teacher.”
Sir Christopher Stone, chief education officer of GEMS Education, said: “I would like to congratulate these young ladies not only for their outstanding academic achievements but also for their significant contributions to their school and the wider community. The awards celebrate the talent that our students possess. They maintain their social commitment as well as achieve academic and extra-curricular excellence. Each one of these girls recognised today are role models and are the leaders of tomorrow.”
