Bidaya gets early start for 2009 roadshow

Due to the continuing developments and improvements to the national curriculum over the last 12 months, officials at the programme are anticipating an increase in students which meet the requirements for the programme, such as 90 percent or more in their results covering grades 10, 11 and 12. The roadshow has the full backing of the Ministry of Education, and the roadshow team has received tremendous support from the various education zones and agencies in planning the show.

Amina Taher, Founder of the Bidaya programme and Executive Director of Corporate Communications at Zabeel Investments, said: "We are looking for the next 20 students to join Bidaya, and based on our experiences from last year, we know that making the final decision will be incredibly difficult. The national education level has improved considerably in just the last 18 months; thus leading to more students reaching above the 90 percentile range."

"As a national initiative, Bidaya has been fortunate to tap some of the countries most accomplished students, youths that are contributors to their local communities and active within the student body, those that are self starters, who explore different cultures, literature, are creative or inventive and those that are determined to play a significant role in the future of the UAE."

Prior to the respective Hijri and Gregorian new year holidays, the roadshow will visit Dubai, with the remaining Emirates and key centre visits expected to take place in early 2009. The programme is looking to start the application process from April, however, allowing students to plan and prepare, the group will travel to answer questions and discuss potential issues with parents and students alike.

Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Bidaya Programme Manager, confirmed:

"The Ministry has once again given their commitment in helping to ensure that our roadshow reaches the right students, and the education zones have been most helpful in accommodating our requests. The changes implemented by the ministry are already being felt and for the human capital perspective this will prove to be immensely rewarding. Our students are more engaged, seeking greater career diversity and more confident of their futures; the Bidaya programme will help to prepare them for the leadership roles which these achievers so richly deserve."

The roadshow will cover all seven Emirates, as well as key UAE centres, such as Al Ain, Hatta, Khor Fakkan, Dibba Al Hosn, Dhaid, Lisaili and Ruwais. Ahmed Al Tenaiji, Marketing Manager for Bidaya, said: "Making sure that we reach as many students as possible is quite a challenge, and the roadshow provides the most effective method of reaching all the Emirates, as unfortunately there aren't enough titles catering to students, and this direct approach allows us to answer their questions and respond to their concerns. As the students will have to request letters of recommendation and prepare an entry application essay, we want to provide plenty of time for their preparation.

The Bidaya initiative was launched in April 2007 to help drive leadership potential in national youth, through supporting their education and career ambitions. To date, 40 students are enrolled in the programme, and are currently studying at the University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah and American University in Dubai.

The programme not only provides a top flight private university education, but also the opportunity to learn real time leadership skills from some of the UAE's key players, it provides mentorship from career aligned professionals, and workshops for skills development. The overall aim of the programme is not only to develop the next series of leaders, but to develop national students that will contribute positively to the national workforce.