Graduates urged to enhance knowledge

Some 286 graduates from the Sharjah Women's College (SWC) of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) were awarded graduation certificates at a ceremony here yesterday.

Dr Sheikha Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Programmes and Curricula Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Youth, and Dr Farid Ohan, Director of the College, presented the certificates.

Addressing the graduates, Dr Sheikha said: "Today, you are at a crossroads. Some of you are planning to continue your post-graduate studies, while others have decided to proceed directly to the workplace.

"Hence, what you have attained at the certificate level needs to be built further with more knowledge and skills to compete in the market and be successful in life. You must show determination in seeking to improve your knowledge and obtain higher education."

Dr Sheikha urged the graduates to utilise the opportunities that the HCT makes available to them. She also encouraged them to excel in their future career and contribute to the development of the country.

"Remember that no success can be achieved without effort and hard work. Moreover, preserving our cherished values is essential for our progress and development," noted Dr Sheikha.

"You are well-qualified national graduates who have been well prepared through the efforts of those who are running the HCT," she observed.

Dr Ohan thanked President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for their great support to education in the country.

He also stressed the key role played by Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of UAE University and the HCT, in developing higher education in the country.

Addressing the graduates, Dr Ohan said: "I remember the time when you first came to the College some two years ago. You were so filled with hope, fear, and anxiety. Many of you were shy, did not have a good mastery of the English language.

"Now you have grown into confident young women who can communicate well in English, who are at home with the new technology, and who have been introduced to the joy of learning."

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Fatima Al Zaabi, a graduate from the General Business Programme, said that the support she had received from her family had largely helped her achieve success.

She also thanked the management, teachers and staff of the College for their efforts.

The graduates comprised 72 graduates from Computer Information Processing, 68 from Office Technology, 42 from Financial Services and Banking, 54 from General Business, 36 from Laboratory Technology, and 24 from Medical Administrative Technology.