Abu Dhabi Women's College presents the Second Annual Education Graduate Forum

ADWC's education graduates are currently working as ESL and IT instructors, library teachers, and in various other areas of business and industry. This kind of event provides them with an opportunity to learn from each other and develop innovative practices in the education field. The theme for the event was "Celebrating Success," and several graduates made presentations on their successes and challenges in the workplace.

Amal Saleh Al Ali, a recent ADWC graduate, now works for the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minors' Affairs as a teacher for the hearing impaired. Amal spoke to the audience about working with special needs students, explaining that one of the biggest challenges is managing their behavior. Despite these challenges, Amal stated that working with special needs students is a rewarding career.

Atheeja Al Mehairbi, ADWC's Chair of the Work Readiness Program and the first Emirati supervisor at ADWC, also addressed the audience about her "stones on the road to success." Atheeja encouraged the crowd of students and graduates to set goals for the future. She also discussed time management skills, explaining that managing time well results in being able to accomplish more. Atheeja noted that one of her greatest accomplishments to date is the creation of an IT textbook which is now used throughout the HCT system.

The 2006 Education graduates also received their Melbourne University Certificates. Melbourne University is the accrediting institution for the ADWC Bachelor of Education program, and the certificate confirms the graduates have achieved the standard equivalent to a four-year Australian degree. Accordingly, the graduates are now eligible to apply for direct entry into the faculty postgraduate program.

"Our graduates are making a huge difference wherever they are - bringing in new technologies, forging home-school links, and changing the way their students learn by basing everything they do on sound educational theory," said Debbie Wheeler, ADWC's Chair of Education. "They have become knowledgeable and effective practitioners, helping to develop the country through Emiratization of the education sector."

Following a breakout session where there was time to further discuss challenges and successes, the Forum ended with the graduates agreeing to maintain the positive outlook of education in the UAE and to continue to urge students to choose the education field as a viable career option. As graduate Shamsa Mohamed Al Mansoori put it, "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of house I lived in or what kind of car I drove or clothes I wore. The most important thing will be that I made a difference in the life of a child."