WRDC launches student advisory program to promote education in Al Gharbia

The program, undertaken by WRDC's Regional Development Division, will focus on students in secondary school education in its pilot phase. The Advisory Program focuses on three stages - secondary schools, higher education and post-education, which falls under WRDC's comprehensive strategy to develop high quality education in Al Gharbia and to provide better access to universities, colleges and educational institutions in the region.

The objective of the program is to raise interest and advise students on post-secondary education options available in Al Gharbia. The program's mandate also encompasses sponsorship of student training and encourages interaction between the student community and leading companies and developers in the region. It also goes beyond the traditional academic counseling and offers advice on future career paths for the students.

In its capacity, WRDC highlights the impending demand for different categories of workforce and raises awareness among the students on planned and ongoing development projects in the region. In line with its commitment towards education for the youth of Al Gharbia, the council launched a scholarship program earlier this year in conjunction with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Civil Services Department, UAE Armed Forces and the Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Authority (ADACH).

In his comments, H.E. Mohamed Hamad Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Director General of WRDC, said: "We are delighted about the launch of the Student Advisory Program and helping to motivate the students to excel in their chosen career path. Through this program, we hope to bridge the relationship between the educational institutions and the entities which are playing pivotal roles in Al Gharbia's development process."

The program hopes to include all major stakeholders and entities involved in the development plans of Al Gharbia. Among other partners, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) will communicate Abu Dhabi's commitment towards clean and sustainable energy projects worldwide. Among the projects to be highlighted are solar energy plants, wind turbines, a hydrogen power plant and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

H.E. Mohamed Hamad Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei added:

"We at WRDC would like to thank the Abu Dhabi Education Council for their continuous efforts to raise the quality level of education in the region. We also appreciate the initiatives of Masdar in supporting the economic growth of the Emirate in a sustainable way and helping in the development of skilled, motivated and highly productive workforce."

The program forms one of the main pillars of WRDC's first priority - the residents - by improving access to quality education in the region and building local talent through educational and vocational training.

WRDC is continuing to work towards helping the local community of Al Gharbia evolve and build the region. WRDC's development plan includes involving and informing the local community in the development of the region and developing the capability of the public to play an effective role in the development process.