Dubai: A student Dalia Ali Wehbe received a scholarship to cover a year’s tuition fee for not only excelling in her academics, but also for her significant contribution to environmental concerns and her commitment to the community she lives in.
Dalia was one of the 32 female GEMS students who were awarded the Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence for their outstanding academic success and community service contributions.
“As a UAE citizen we are blessed with a good life. I took part in many community service activities such as volunteering in Rashid special needs centre, distributing food to the needy and cleaning the beach, because I believe that it is important to pay back your community,” she added.
The girls who received their awards from the Minister of Education, Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, were honoured yesterday during a ceremony held at GEMS World Academy.
“If you look at any of the research you will find that women who are educated and empowered are what truly contribute to the development of their environment. Given the inspiration, which was Her Highness Shaikha Fatima [Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union ], a great contributor to women empowerment in the UAE, we wanted to represent and ensure that such women in our schools receive recognition,” Dino Varkey, Group Chief Operating Officer at GEMS Education told Gulf News.
Jordanian national Shireen Abul Hawa, another winner who flew in from Jordan with her father to attend the award ceremony said that she was excited to be recognised.
“I received five A stars and three A’s in my IGSEs, I am also a part of the basket ball team and I always take part in many environmental activities. Balancing your time between your studies and activities effectively is the best advice I can give to students.”
Misbah Nafees also a winner said that although at times being part of the debate team, calligraphy team and taking part in environmental activities can be stressful, she said that it is all worth the effort.
“I don’t want to look back at my school years and see all academics. These activities also help you grow as a person who has confidence in yourself.”
The annual award was inaugurated by GEMS Education in 2005 under the patronage of Shaikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan UAE, Minister of Culture Youth and Community.
It aims to recognise Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, for her contributions to the empowerment of the UAE women.
