A step towards progress

The Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment recently presented the Dubai Higher Colleges of Technology with a cheque for Dh1,260,328 in financial aid for student laptops. This marks the sixth year the establishment has provided this aid to allow all students access to quality technology.

Overcoming financial challenges

The cheque was given to Dubai Women's College (DWC) and Dubai Men's College (DMC). This year's aid benefited 88 students at DWC and 102 students at DMC who can now use laptops for their studies. Every year, the establishment coordinates with the two colleges in reviewing students' applications to determine their eligibility for the programme and the number of students who benefit.

"The annual contribution has been adding much value to the learning process of the students as it allows them to continue their education with fewer financial obstacles, therefore adding value to the quality of the national graduates who join the workforce every year," said Dr Bob Richards, director of DMC.

Ebrahim Bu Melha, General Manager of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, highlighted the importance of the initiative, especially in terms of supporting UAE national progress.

"The aid aligns with our strategic priorities to encourage further development of our own national talents," he said. "It is highly significant to provide all students with the opportunity to have access to technology required for their educational, professional and career growth."

A student need

During the event, students demonstrated how laptops aid them in the learning process. They presented a demonstration of a class using the laptops as a learning tool to deliver the curriculum. The virtual learning tool allows students and faculty to communicate in various ways, including a white board and microphone, and provides students with interactive tests and examinations.

"This is crucial to the progress of our learning," said Maraim Al Shehi, laptop support student at DWC. "But it's not all. Even outside this online learning programe we need laptops to complete our general assignments and projects."

Both colleges require students to use laptops, which allow them to practise in a project-based learning environment throughout their academic course. However laptops don't only fulfil student needs regarding academic requirements, but they also add value to the overall learning experience and give students the opportunity to experiment on their own.

Student success

Marwan Mubarak Mohammad and Mohammad Mubarak Mohammad, two brothers from DMC, developed a website during their free time titled ‘Fa5r Dubai' or ‘The Pride of Dubai' where students have the opportunity to exchange ideas on topics such as academics and entertainment. Using programmes like Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop and SwitchMax, these two young innovators created a site that proved appealing to the young eye. Currently both DWC and DMC contribute to the development of the site, which is now a hit and is popular among youth in other countries in the Gulf region.

"You can say it's almost developed into a healthy competition between the students of both colleges," said Marwan. "Users from all over the Gulf share information through forums and postings. It's a great way for us to share our achievements with the world," Mohammad added. You can visit their website at www.fa5rdxb.com.