Tomorrow's World: The young achievers

The children of today are the adults of tomorrow. They shape the future and reflect our progress. What are the hopes and aspirations of our kids? How do they see themselves contributing to a better world? What do they feel, think, believe and desire? Every week, we zoom in on the youth living in the Emirates, and hear what they have to say

Children of the Week: Khaled and Amina Sherif Shalaby

Khaled and Amina Sherif Shalaby share a secret language. As students of the German School in Sharjah, they are fluent in German while their parents are not. Egyptian by nationality, they speak Arabic and English at home with mother Samar Fikry and father Sherif Shalaby, an IBM territory manager. As a close-knit family, they enjoy doing things together.

Like most brothers and sisters, Khaled and Amina fight and play, interchangeably. Yet, they are both achievers in their activity of choice and mutually respect each other's talent. Nine-year old Khaled is a whiz at throwing the ball around and has won several medals and citations in tennis, football and golf. His sister Amina is 11 years old and has already been awarded more than 23 medals (14 gold, six silver, and seven bronze) in gymnastics. She is also fond of ballet and has received several honorary certificates.

Together, they make a dynamic duo. Agile, graceful and co-ordinated, they excel in their sport and are content in their outlook.

HE SAYS:

We moved to Dubai from Cairo three years ago. There are less people, less traffic and everything is cleaner here, but I do miss my family, friends and school there. I like living in the villa here and playing with our adorable dog, Spike. I want to be a vet when I grow up because I like taking care of animals.

My dream is to be a good tennis player. Pete Sampras is my role model because he has won so many tournaments and is better than everybody.

Playing tennis is also good for building muscles, maintaining weight and overall fitness of a person. Eating the right food like lots of vegetables and fruits is necessary for good health, but you must be active, too.

My dad is special because he plays tennis, ping pong and playstation with me. He was also a vet before he became a computer expert. I love it when my mom joins us in games like monopoly. They both teach us how to behave and talk. What would be nice when I become an adult is to be able to have my own house and own rules.

I think in the future the world will be more automatic. For example, we will have flying cars and machines to help us with everything. Although we have to study ourselves, there will be more technological help. The only worry is there should be less robbers. Crime is a big concern, maybe not in Dubai, but other parts of the world. I think what Saudi Arabia does, give strong punishment to criminals, may help reduce crime.

SHE SAYS:

Computers have changed the world, especially e-mails. It has improved communication tremendously. If you want to send a message to your friend in another country, it's there instantly. What I would like to see in the future is a robot to clean up my room. Seriously, I think the world can be a better place if we stop wars and people are kind to each other.

What is most important to me is getting a good education, doing well in school and making my family happy. My parents have taught us the values of tidiness, being polite and considerate of others. Also, honesty is the best policy because when you lie, people will eventually find out and things could get worse.

When I grow up, I may be a computer expert like my dad, or a tour guide of Egyptian cultural sites like my mom. I started gymnastics when I was three years old and love it. In Cairo, I used to practise for five hours a day, but now its reduced to three times a week for two hours. Suzanne Wallace is my trainer here and she is very good.

I still remember the first competition I took part in when I was seven years old. I was so nervous, that my head hurt and I cried. Now, when I compete it is like I am in training. My dream is to represent Egypt in the Olympics. I would like to conclude with my bit of advice for fellow gymnasts: Listen to your teacher's instructions and follow them, so you don't hurt yourself.