Bidaya road shows get one-on-one interaction with students

Bidaya is a first of its kind initiative in the region, aimed at discovering and nurturing the country's next generation of leaders. Amina Taher, Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Zabeel Investments, explained: "one of Bidaya's main objectives is to discover future leaders, nurture, educate and guide them in order to contribute successfully to the future of the UAE".

Over the course of the last week, representatives from the Bidaya team have visited several high schools including: Cultural Centers in both Ras Al Khaimah and Khor Fakhan, Al Oroba boys' high school in Sharjah; the Ministry of Education in Dubai; as well as Al Mualla girls' high school in Umm Al Quwain.

As part of the road shows, the Bidaya team offered a brief introduction about the programme to the students, educating them about Bidaya's mission, requirements, and process. The students were then invited for interactive sessions, whereby they could highlight their plans, ask questions about the programme and discuss careers opportunities.

Taher explained that Bidaya places great value on the road shows which allow the team to interact directly with prospective candidates for the programme. She stated: "We met so many talented youth in both the Northern and Eastern Emirates; given the right opportunity they would continue excelling. It was overwhelming the support and role parents play in the future of these students. I was personally disappointed that there is no college or university in Umm Al Quwain".

From talking to the students some interesting factors were revealed. Mohammed Fadhlanai and Saleh Saeed Saleh (Dubai) both attended the Dubai road show at the Ministry of Education. Interested in pursuing careers in business administration, architecture or engineering, both young men hope to be able to attend the American University of Sharjah through the Bidaya programme.

Fadhlani commented that one of the reasons why Bidaya stands apart from other educational programmes, making it more appealing to him, is that it encourages studying in the UAE. He explained that "There are numerous scholarships available to students who wish to study outside the UAE, however there aren't many programmes supporting those students that wish to study inside the country".

Saleh also pointed out the uniqueness about the programme and explained that one of the attributes he finds appealing about Bidaya is that unlike many other companies that offer sponsorships, Zabeel Investments and Nakheel do not expect Bidaya candidates to commit to working with them. Roudha Alawadhi (Dubai) agreed with Saleh and stated that "This is definitely a unique quality to Bidaya. At this stage, I do not want to make any commitments to work with anyone and the fact that Bidaya does not expect that from me makes this programme much more appealing!"

Other students that had a chance to talk to the team include Asma Mohammed Karan, involved in many extra curriculum activities Asma hopes to study architecture. Reem Ismail (Khor Fakan) a very outspoken ambitious young lady would like the opportunity to study medicine. "I thank God that my school selected me as a potential candidate for Bidaya," said Karan; while Ismail emphasized her appreciation of the programme, aside from providing financial support, also provides a mentor to guide and help the student throughout his/her sponsored career.

In addition, Bidaya also offers leadership development programmes to enhance student's leadership skills. In fact, selection into the programme is based on several factors which include: demonstrated leadership, academic performance, financial situation, and future potential. 20 students will be selected each year following recommendations from public schools across the UAE. The panel responsible for selecting these students includes representatives from Zabeel Investments, Nakheel, community leaders, along with academic partners including the American University of Dubai and the American University of Sharjah.

Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Bidaya Programme Manager said, "The interest of students in programmes like Bidaya that offer an opportunity to complete their undergraduate studies was apparent throughout my visits to the schools of the UAE. During my presentations of Bidaya programme, students were intrigued and attracted. They interacted, conversed, asked questions, mostly to identify the uniqueness of Bidaya compared to other programmes."

"In fact, many seemed eager for the application process to begin and hopeful that their application will meet with approval. They were thrilled with the prospect of being accepted, and could hardly wait to be enrolled in the programme. As expected, those drawn to the programme were the talented and ambitious students, after all only they can truly understand the message, purpose, and goal of Bidaya, concluded Suwaidi.

This week the Bidaya Team will be visiting schools in Ajman and Fujeirah.