Transition courses to add value to students' skills

Abu Dhabi: Beginning its ninth cycle tomorrow, June 20, "Sayfuna Mumayaz" (which means "A Unique Summer" in Arabic), will include many programmes and courses that will allow students to gain skills intended to aid them in their transition to higher education.

"The major purpose of the Sayfuna Mumayaz programme is to provide a variety of positive learning experiences for students that are fun and at the same time ‘value-add' to their knowledge skills and attitudes," Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), said.

"The programme's educational, social, cultural and sport activities will give students the chance to improve their teamwork, leadership and English skills."

Among its many courses, Adec will also cooperate with the UAE University, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Abu Dhabi University, and the Institute of Applied Technology to address issues that students need in order to succeed in their education.

Focus

"These institutions will receive 9-12 students to prepare them for university by focusing on certain skills, including English language and life skills," Dr Al Khaili said.

UAE University, for instance, will receive 1,500 students in three main programmes.

These will include English language, ICDL and robotics, according to Dr Mohammad Al Zarouni, Dean of the University General Requirements Unit and Director of the Continuing Education Centre at UAE University.

"Students will be able to gain a lot in a university environment, as it will allow them to get used to an atmosphere that they will live through in the future," Al Zarouni said.

"It is important to focus on the linkage between the K-12 to university. This programme is the kind of programme that will aid in bridging this gap," Dr Nabeel Ebrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University added.