National Bonds launches school achievement program

The National Bonds School Achievements Program was launched during the annual prize ceremony held at the Dubai British School which is part of the Taaleem group of schools. This program will award top performers from each school with National Bonds Gift Vouchers on achievements in academic pursuits, art, languages, sports and community work on an annual or a midterm basis.

This Achievement program has reputed schools in the UAE confirming their participation; they are Dubai British School, Dubai College, Emirates International School - Jumeirah, Emirates English-Speaking School and Latifa School for Girls.
On receiving the National Bonds Gift Vouchers, the students will also have the opportunity to participate in the National Bonds weekly prize draws of 101 prizes with the top prize being of Dhs1m and the remaining 100 prizes awarded each week.

In addition they will also receive annual profits that are distributed to bondholders at the end of every financial year. In 2008 the profit was 7.07% from 6.03% in 2007, achieving the highest profit against any comparable savings scheme offered by any financial institution in the UAE.

The Heads of the participating schools involved so far have praised the social benefits of the program for its students, both for its encouragement of the younger generations in achieving academic excellence and for educating them about the importance of saving at an early age.

Mr. Ziad Azzam, Chief Executive Officer of Taaleem PJSC said: "We are very impressed with the commitment shown by National Bonds Corporation in recognizing such a wide variety of achievement and excellence by launching the School Achievement Program. We are honoured to be involved and are really proud to have received their sponsorship. Our partnership with National Bonds and their visible presence in our schools will certainly raise awareness in our students of the value of prudent savings from an early age. We hope that this will be the first step for many of our young students to begin thinking of their future savings plans".

Principal of Dubai College, Mr. Carlo Ferrario said: "We are delighted to be associated with this initiative from National Bonds. In recent decades the savings culture has faded among many young people. It is a key life skill which every school should seek to encourage in its students whether as part of the core curriculum or as an element in its enrichment programme. This association with the recognition of achievement in the academic, cultural, social and sporting fields will make it more of a reality for pupils."

Mrs. Carol Green of Latifa School for Girls, said: "We are very pleased to be participating in the National Bonds School Achievement Program as it directly supports our aim of promoting economic and financial awareness in our students. The economic future of Dubai depends on the students of today developing good financial sense and we are confident the National Bonds Program will help with this development, whilst rewarding excellence across a wide spectrum of academic and social development."

Their comments were echoed by Mr. Jason Kirwin and Mr. Tabreaz, Principals of Emirates International School - Jumeirah and Emirates English Speaking School respectively.

Mr. Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, CEO of National Bonds Corporation, said:

"In establishing a firm foundation of saving amongst the UAE population, it is fundamental that we instill in our youth an understanding of the combined importance of a good education and the role of saving in building financial security and achieving aspirations."

"The schools we are working with demonstrate similar standards of excellence and commitment. With this partnership, we believe the schools will provide an excellent opportunity to reach young people living and learning in the UAE," he added.

While 16 years of age is the minimum age for purchase of National Bonds, parents or guardians can purchase on behalf of children of any age. National Bonds can be purchased from nearly 500 outlets nationwide, including exchange houses and banks.