Good conduct, morals make heroes

Distinguished male students who have been learning all about how to become a 'hero', have stressed the importance of good conduct and morals to excel.

They were told of heroic people at a lecture presented as part of the Second Meeting of Distinguished Boy Pupils organised by the Sharjah Ramadan Festival's Social Committee on Wednesday evening at the Business Centre.

Entitled 'How to Become a Hero', the lecture was attended by 21 of the 30 students who represented five government and private schools.

Abdul Ramadan Abdullah from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and member of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival's Social Committee, said the First Meeting of Distinguished Boy Students last Ramadan was a success. The committee then decided to make it an annual event as part of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival.

He said the committee has expanded its activities. A similar meeting for distinguished girl pupils was also held. The meeting, which ended with the formation of a parliament, proved very successful as educational issues were discussed.

The meeting for boys also featured sports and cultural activities this year. Football teams from government and public schools competed for the Federation Cup. The two-day tele-match championship was another highlight.

Two lectures, 'How to be Loved by Your Family, School Community and Society' and 'How to Become a Hero' were very popular.

The committee aims to build strong character in young men and women by increasing their awareness on issues, refine their skills and instill good conduct. It also gives them the opportunity to discuss educational issues and obstacles they face.

The committee is keen to present information in an attractive way to achieve its objectives. Abdullah said: "Taking pupils out of the school atmosphere proved very successful to achieve the objectives. Pupils were outspoken and took a keen interest in discussions, lectures and cultural and sports activities."

Members of the committee discussed social issues when they attended some of the open Ramadan Majlises.

Abdullah praised the constant support of Ali Salem Al Mahmoud, General Coordinator of the Festival, and Mohammed Ahmad Amin, Assistant General Coordinator. Ahmad Mohammed Awadh, a volunteer lecturer, told the pupils who attended 'How to become a Hero' lecture about different skills to help them become champions.

He presented video films which told students about problems they might face and how to deal with them. Awadh has also told students how to be self-confident, determined, punctual and persistent as these would fetch others' respect and recognition.

Pupils were also advised to be daring, not to feel scared or hesitate to express their opinion and feelings, but it should be done in a polite manner. Majid Amin Al Amiri, 14, who is studying in Grade 9 at Emirates Private School, said the meeting helped to exchange opinions and ideas.

"I learnt how a good person should behave and respect others. I learnt that I should respect people, elder or younger, and should not consider their social rank. Respecting others will gain me people's respect. I learnt how to be liked by others, maintain self-confidence and determination."

Majid, who took the top spot in the meeting, suggested holding similar meetings at the beginning of the academic year and during the mid-year to make new friends and exchange opinions. Yousef Jasim Mohammed, 13, of Grade 9, from Emirates Private school, said he took part for the first time and found the meeting useful.

He suggested that such meetings should not be limited to distinguished pupils but be extended to others. "The meeting teaches one how to be creative and excel. I think all pupils need such information and not only distinguished ones," said Yousef who came second.

Salem Sultan Ailan, 14, of Grade 9, from Emirates Private School, said he learnt that obeying God and then parents is essential to gain protection and get guidance to stay on the correct path.

Salem, who came third, called for more lectures because they enhance self-confidence which many lack. "Dishonesty and aggression are found among pupils," he said.

Ahmad Mohammed Al Suweidi, 13, of Grade 8, from Abdullah Salem Government School, called for the need to develop the educational process in a way that teaching should be done through activities and not by dictation.

He said the meeting gave the opportunity to learn away from classrooms and the closed school community. "This helps to excel in different spheres," added Ahmad.