Creative UAE students chosen by HSBC to take part in a pioneering 21st century journey

Two students, Mohammed Al Kaabi from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum School in Dubai and Abdullah Sultan Abdullah from Jubair bin Saeed School in Ras Al Khaima were chosen from 100s of potential candidates because of their creative and artistic potential.

These students will now join six other young artists from Bahrain, Oman and Lebanon to take part in the pioneering project in July this year. The project is being run by the award winning Offscreen Education Programme in partnership with HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, the British Council and Gulf Air.

The aim of the project is to give students from the UK and Middle East the chance to communicate and learn from each other in a positive and creative way. As Offscreen director, Stephen Stapleton says, 'in a world culture increasingly obsessed by celebrity, and dominated by a negative news media, we aim to take young people 'Off Screen'.'

The Journey

Offscreen are planning a life changing journey into the heart of UK culture. With unprecedented access the expedition will explore cultural and geographical landscapes across in England, Scotland and Wales.

In London students will question politicians in the Houses of Parliament and make art inside St Paul's Cathedral as well as living with families and attending local schools in the East End. They will then travel to Scotland's capital Edinburgh before spending three days focussing on environmental issues on a farm in the highlands.

From Scotland they travel to Manchester, to work with young British Muslims, then Wales, to make collages in collaboration with a local book artist in the world famous 'Town of Books', Hay-on-Wye. On route back to London, students will visit Eton, arguably England's most famous and the world's most exclusive school.

In London, the expedition will conclude with a celebratory lecture showcasing the students' experiences.

Participating students will be working with professional artists, teachers and filmmakers to develop the key skills of leadership, communication and creativity.

They will make new friends and gain in confidence and knowledge, becoming part of a growing network of young people across the Middle East and UK working together for a better future.

Digital Explorers

Every day during their journey, students will use satellite technology to communicate to their peers back home. Embracing a model developed by Offscreen and Digital Explorer, students will showcase their artwork, photography, films and diaries via Offscreen's groundbreaking website: www.offscreened.com.

With the help of Ministries of Education in each country, Offscreen will be distributing posters advertising this website in schools and internet cafes across the region. The posters are being designed by London based Lebanese artist, Rana Salam.

A Reflexive Project

This Year's expedition follows Offscreen's groundbreaking UK to Middle East Student Expedition in February last year. Nine 15-17year old students from East London spent 12 days in the UAE and Oman. They generated a live artistic and creative record of their experiences that was accessed by over 300 UK schools. Over 20,000 UK students and teachers followed their journey online.

Partners & Sponsors

Title Partner: HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation

'We are pleased to have partnered with the Offscreen Educational programme. HSBC always tries to participate in projects that further promotes cross cultural understanding and education.

Through the power of art, this programme will bridge any cultural diversity and create more understanding between the young people who will be the Middle East ambassadors to the UK.

We hope they will use their wealth of creative and artistic talent in creating a positive and lasting portrait of life and culture in the Middle East,' said Kaltham Al Koheji, Chairperson, HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation.

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited established the HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation in 1996 to fund community projects and activities across the region.

The Foundation, a $2m charitable and community initiative funds educational, environmental and community projects.

The formation of the Foundation underlines the Bank's long association with the region and its continued commitment to the Middle East.

An advisory Committee made up of senior executives of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited is based in Dubai and all proposals for funding through the Foundation are considered by them before being passed to the Foundation's Trustees for approval.

Regional Partner: British Council

'The British Council is delighted to be continuing our partnership with Offscreen. The programme offers fantastic opportunities for young people to explore the diverse cultures of the Middle East and the UK and is an excellent platform for wider intercultural dialogue and greater understandin,.' said Rob Lynes, Middle East Regional Director, British Council

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. The British Council's work has a special focus on youth. Connecting young people across all cultures has never been more important and we seek to create genuine mutual trust and understanding.

Official Airline: Gulf Air

'Gulf Air is pleased to be a sponsor of this important project that promotes creative thinking and key skills among the younger generation and, fosters relationship between the Middle East and the UK,' said Jon Barnett, Sponsorship Manager, Alliances & Events, Gulf Air

As the national carrier of the Kingdom, Gulf Air is proactive in supporting and promoting opportunities that help local talents to grow. The airline has been associating itself with several Corporate Social Responsibility programmes for many years through sponsorships and other activities in the areas of education, sport, charity and physically challenged.

Established 57 years ago and owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air is the only truly pan-Gulf carrier in the region known for its traditional, legendary Arabian hospitality combined with modern, state-of the Art flying experience.

Other Sponsors & Partners include: J A Clark Charitable Foundation, Anglo-Omani Society, London City Airport, Omani Ministry of Education, Bahrain Ministry of Education, Lebanon Ministry of Education, Ras al Khaima Education Zone, UAE, Dubai Knowledge & Human Development Authority, UAE.