Awards presented by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development
Awards created by GEMS Education in honour of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for her contributions to the empowerment of women in the UAE
H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development presented the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Awards for Excellence to 37 girls from GEMS Education schools across the UAE.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, the Awards were launched by GEMS Education in 2005 to honour the Mother of the Nation Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, wife of late President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for her contributions to the empowerment of women in the UAE and her support for excellence in all areas.
Nominated by their schools for their outstanding academic success, commitment to social responsibility and Global Citizenship, the winners were each presented with a scholarship covering a year’s tuition fee at their respective GEMS school and were recognized in today’s ceremony.
With role models such as their teachers, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Oprah Winfrey, Marie Curie, Steve Irwin, and even Walt Disney, the girls who range from ages 8 to 16 years of age, all exhibit traits of passionate leaders, who plan to make a difference in their communities.
Safa Taher Alavi from Al Khaleej National School – Dubai said, “I understand that even though I am one person, I know that I can and will make a difference.”
Roshni Ravi from GEMS Metropole School – Dubai said, “I hope to work towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle… and I believe ‘that this world is not what we have inherited from our ancestors but what we have borrowed from our children’.”
Behshid Behrouzi from The Winchester School – Jebel Ali quotes her role model Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and shares how this quote has been such an inspiration to her. ‘In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders’ … “She is living proof that opportunities for women in Science and Technology are vastly improving. Only we can be responsible for the changes we want to see.”
Along with topping their streams in examinations, various academic awards, roles as Head Girls, recognitions in debates and environmental initiatives, these girls find time to launch initiatives that bring awareness to topics like Female Foeticide, Organic cosmetics, and animal cruelty.
Sir Christopher Stone, Chief Education Officer – MENASA, GEMS Education, congratulated the students, parents and teachers on their outstanding performance and achievements, and encouraged the winners to continue to pursue excellence in years to come.
“I am immensely proud of this years’ winners, who have shown their commitment to achieve academically, at the same time demonstrating those skills, attributes and actions associated with active global citizens and leadership. Each one of these girls are an inspiration to all of us and we are happy to be able to celebrate the development of our young future leaders and their valuable contributions to society.”
GEMS Education is committed to encouraging, recognising and celebrating our students achievements, while providing them with high quality education.
- GEMS Education
