AMIDEAST UAE and the U.S. Mission to the UAE celebrate the accomplishments of 107 students from the Youth English Program at AURAK University in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). The graduating boys and girls, from grades 8, 9, 10, and 11 across public schools in Ras Al Khaimah, began their instruction virtually in July 2022. Amideast has been implementing the program since 2018 and has upskilled 364 students from across RAK.
The Youth English Program (YEP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by AMIDEAST and in collaboration with local partner Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (AQF), aims to prepare UAE national school students for increased opportunities in their professional and academic lives, improve their English language proficiency and skills. The course covered 120 hours of English skills and 60 hours of activities.
On behalf of the U.S. Mission to the UAE, Megan Gregonis, Consul General of the United States adds: “The U.S. Mission to the UAE is proud of our partnership with Amideast and Al Qasimi Foundation to offer the Youth English Program (YEP) to students in Ras Al Khaimah. We are thrilled to recognize the achievements of all 107 graduating students in this cohort. With the support of the U.S. Mission, Amideast has implemented five YEP cohorts, supporting 364 students including 196 girls in developing their skills since 2018. YEP gives students the English language and professional development skills they need to increase their access to high-quality education and careers. We look forward to continuing to work with Amideast and the Al Qasimi Foundation to promote youth education opportunities.”
The graduates make up the fifth and biggest cohort to participate in this impactful program since it was launched in 2018. Sara El Dallal, Amideast UAE Country Director, added “It is our pleasure to partner with U.S. Mission to the UAE and collaborate with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (AQF) for the fifth year to upskill 107 Emirati students from Ras Al Khaimah through the YEP program. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these young learners and the tremendous progress that they have made along the way. We look forward to continuing to impact the youth and to take part in supporting them towards achieving their goals. Amideast UAE always strives to support the youth in the UAE and to work with local and international partners to help the youth reach their potential.”
Dr. Tiffany Lachelle Smith, Director of Scholarships and Student Programs at Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research adds: “One of the Al Qasimi Foundation’s ultimate aims is to empower our Ras Al Khaimah future leaders which explains our alliance with the Amideast YEP program. We will continue to extend our utmost support to the academic and professional ambitions of our YEP students.”
On the impact of the program, Fatema Almansoori, YEP 4 alumni and YEP 5 current student shares: “I am very concerned happy and glad to be one of the luckiest students who have had a chance to join this amazing program for the second year.
I have learned a lot of things during the program, got valuable information and developed my English language skills.”
The graduation ceremony was attended by, Mohammed Omran Al Shamsi, Chairman, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), Megan Gregonis, Consul General of the United States, Sara El-Dallal, Country Director, Amideast UAE, and Dr. Tiffany Lachelle, Director of Scholarships and Students Programs, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
