Establishing a Stable Foundation

What is your outlook on Sharjah’s capacity to maintain an educational hub and center for creativity in the UAE?

Sharjah has been investing heavily in its schools and universities, laboratories, libraries, research centers, and science and exploration centers. This includes Rubu’ Qarn, the umbrella for four Sharjah-based entities: Sharjah Children, Sharjah Youth, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah for Capability Development. Since early childhood remains a top priority, SEC is currently supervising 25 nurseries across the Emirate with around 1,500 children enrolled, in addition to opening five new nurseries in 2019.

What major events does the council plan to organize?

The major events in 2019 are mainly focused on early childhood, students’ activities, and the Sharjah Award for Excellence in education, which was conducted few months ago; however, the main activities are the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Sharjah Award for Excellence in education, which has awarded 65 distinguished students. Another competition was conducted for teachers, which is about elaborating the most creative teaching plan. In addition, SEC has been organizing a project called Rakaiz that supports the education system from an aspect of empowering positive behavior among children and youth in our community. The program consists of many activities and programs throughout the year, including lectures, movie competitions, and a forum.

Why it is so important for you to enhance creativity amongst the youth in Sharjah?

It is important to define their responsibilities and commitments and, through the determination of their capabilities, establish a stable infrastructure that leads to future development in a competitive and innovative framework.
How do innovations in technology and specifically AI affect your work?
SEC provides software for employees that suffer from visual impairment and smart boards in nurseries to support teachers and contribute to developing childhood creativity.

What are some of the biggest challenges for education in Sharjah?

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of highly qualified local teachers. What is more, in this time of technological evolution, the availability of rapid communication channels, and our extremely multicultural society, the education system is encountering intellectual conflicts and a high instance of misuse of technology.

As 2019 was deemed the year of tolerance, where do you see the biggest opportunities to improve in Sharjah?

The Emirate of Sharjah strategically supports a culture of tolerance by bringing together various cultures and different art platforms that significantly help create an attractive place to live. Effective communication system platforms are central to this continues, especially when it comes to international collaboration.

What are the foundation’s main goals and objectives for 2019?

SEC has four foals. The first is ensuring the promotion of early childhood education at the government’s 25 nurseries, which will increase to more than 80 in the coming decades. The second seeks to develop students’ integrated characteristics, while the third is to foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and creativity. The last aims at providing the most efficient and transparent administrative services.