Student gathering lives out Zayed's vision of education

Abu Dhabi: "Education is important for everyone who wishes to serve their country," said General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

"We have all learned from Shaikh Zayed that education and knowledge go hand in hand with patience, strong will and vision," he said. Shaikh Mohammad's speech was read out by Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education.

"Building nations begins with building people," he told students taking part in the Fourth Student Gathering, 'Ghars', that started in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The theme of the meeting is 'Zayed's vision'.

He said students have to put more effort to gain education to reach the top.

"The development journey of the UAE is going forward under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and all members of the Federal Supreme Council, who are working for a strategic vision for the country's development."

He called on students to serve their country. "Your duty is to be loyal to your country, which has provided happy life to its people and residents. Students have to be concerned to get good education".

Dr Hassan said the programme "brings us together again on values of loyalty and appreciation for Shaikh Zayed, a man of great values. The programme has succeeded in showing this association to the country".

He also pointed out that the main concern is to develop national human resources and prepare them for the future.

In all, 120 students were chosen from the UAE, other GCC countries, students with special needs and from colleges and universities to take part in the programme which continues till January 10. The activities include workshops, seminars and sports competitions.