Zayed’s vision of human development inspires North American International School’s values
By Fatima Hamad, Grade 11
We give environment our utmost attention because it is a vital part of our country’s history and heritage, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had said.
It’s as if he is still alive and casting his benign grace upon this country during the Year of Zayed. His presence is felt and resonates around the UAE.
- Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
A man who pushed for solidarity, promoted equality and changed the UAE into a standout nation to take its place amongst the most developed nations in the area and the world, Shaikh Zayed’s words and works are as important today as they were during his lifetime.
This year, we have the opportunity to honour him for his great legacy as the Father of the Nation. We celebrate a 100 years since his birth. With his greatness and wisdom, the UAE has become a modern country and desirable destination to be in.
Our National Day celebrations were proof that his legacy still lives on. Shaikh Zayed’s quotes, vision and thoughts were reflected in every activity that was conducted in the North American International School (NAIS).
Stalls highlighting the magnificent Dubai skyline, sustainable projects spearheaded under the vision by Shaikh Zayed and many more projects were displayed for all to see.
The icing on the cake was the art competition celebrating Shaikh Zayed’s vision. It was an ode to the greatness of our founding father.
Achievements
The UAE was the first Arab country to introduce a mandatory female presence in board rooms, and today, 56 per cent of the technology, science, engineering and mathematics graduates in the country are women.
Shaikh Zayed found ways to make green havens out of the desert and for this, he’s an inspirational environmental icon.
Shaikh Zayed believed that human development is the key to success in a society because by investing in education the students of today are the future generation of tomorrow.
The UAE plays a major role in human development through foundations such as Shaikh Zayed Humanity Development Foundation, or perhaps the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation.
To conclude, the UAE’s founding father left behind a legacy of the noble values of respect, tolerance, charity, and generosity, the flame of which is carried on by students at NAIS through the school’s core values — communication, inquiry, empathy, creativity, integrity and respect.
Women are equal partners in progress
Women are given equal opportunities and platforms to have their voices heard
By Shahan Daneshver, Grade 12
A woman contributes half the society and keeps the house. A country aspiring to build itself should not keep a woman in the darkness of illiteracy and a prisoner to the shackles of oppression, said Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
As another Women’s Day was celebrated, I pondered over this famous quote by Shaikh Zayed.
For centuries, women around the world have unfortunately been treated like a liability. Instead of seeing women as a fragile, weak species, people should look through this sterotype and see what truly lies behind that image. I feel it is quite unfair to treat women as inferior beings.
Women are unique in their own way as they have their unique talents and skills. Being a housewife is as complicated and time-consuming as being a working woman with a full-time job. A woman’s true resilience comes to the fore when she runs the whole gamut of household chores with ease. The UAE is a forerunner in its endeavour to empower women.
Women are given equal opportunities to have their voices heard, hold top positions, enjoy better education opportunities et al. Women can now own their own businesses and aspire for progress.
Dr Rana Dajani is an Arab scientist who excels in her field because of good education and opportunities. The UAE has just proved that promoting women empowerment brings significant results and hopes all countries do the same.
At North American International School, the resilient spirit of women was celebrated with elan. The girls delivered this message with a skit based on women empowerment and the boys wrote a poem praising a woman’s spirit and selfness nature.
Charity is integral to UAE values
Country has become the leading donor to charitable causes around the world
By Adnan Ashraf, Grade 10
The march of giving and wellbeing will keep going ahead despite biased voices and positions which can never hinder the progress of our beloved motherland, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan said.
In line with this vision, Dubai Cares launched the initiative to provide inclusive and quality education for all. The Department of Visual Arts at North American International School (NAIS) organised a charity drive on Flag Day. Our talented students made astounding art works from various materials on the Flag Day theme. Eager parents and visitors bought the creative artworks. The proceeds were sent to Dubai Cares as a contribution towards the Year of Giving.
Raising money for charity is an ongoing process at NAIS. Some of the initiatives to raise money were as follows: Monster Day, Crazy Hair Day, Monster Day, Collection of non-perishable items for worker accommodations, to name a few.
We know that ‘zakat’, or charity, is the Third Pillar of Islam, a major teaching.
Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim ethos. With natural disasters and wars taking place in the Arab world and beyond, the UAE has become the leading donor to charitable causes around the world.
Each student of NAIS has contributed to giving charity, thanks to organsations such as Dubai Cares.
Nothing is impossible if you give your best
North American International School is based on respect, empathy, creativity and integrity
By Yousuf Hany, Grade 11
On November 28, 2017, the North American International School (NAIS) celebrated National Day. As the following year was going to be celebrated as the Year of Zayed, it was only natural for NAIS to include the themes of respect, wisdom, human development and sustainability that Shaikh Zayed advocated. As I was raised in the UAE, I’ve witnessed first-hand how it feels to celebrate National Day. The unity you feel with your friends is unparalleled to anything else that you would do. Moreover, Emiratis and expats alike feel a sense of pride on this day.
All these elements such as stalls with local food, inspiring models of landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the Palm Jumeirah were made by our students. As for human development, scientists came and enlightened us about innovations in rocket science and ways to improve our lives.
In conclusion, I have a lot of pride in this country as I was raised here and, watching its development growing up has inspired me to do better.
The UAE teaches us every day that nothing is impossible and to always be creative and innovative. It also teaches us to push ourselves and apply the five core values of our school which also correlate with the four themes of Shaikh Zayed, including respect, empathy, creativity and integrity.
I am proud to say that both the UAE and NAIS have taught me very important lessons in my life.
