Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the National Fund, has officially launched the “Excellence Awards” initiative to honor individuals and institutions involved in the National Fund’s summer programs. This significant move aims to encourage creativity while reinforcing national identity and pride in Emirati culture and the Arabic language, reflecting the Fund’s commitment to cultivating an innovative national generation. The initiative underscores the importance of language and identity as tools for positively contributing to society.
The Excellence Awards Initiative
The “Excellence Awards” will recognize four main categories: outstanding schools, exceptional teachers, distinguished students, and commendable teams. Each category will award three prizes: Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. This initiative aligns with the National Fund’s strategic goals of instilling in youth a deep appreciation for their language and culture, empowering them to contribute effectively to the community’s development and growth.
Encouragement of National Values
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized that the initiative is perfectly aligned with national goals to equip future generations with the necessary tools to embrace their identity and language. He pointed out that the teachings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlight the importance of recognizing excellence within society, whether among individuals or institutions. This recognition is seen as a means to motivate everyone to exert greater effort and creativity for the benefit of the nation.
Participation and Evaluation Process
Yasser Al Qargawy, Director General of the National Fund, noted that the participating entities, including over 54 public and private schools as well as various cultural and youth centers, add competitive value to the awards. The evaluation process will involve a specialized technical committee from the National Fund, which will assess nominations and performance metrics across all categories. Schools that excel in fostering student talents and cultural identity will be acknowledged based on multiple criteria, including support for national projects and the effective implementation of innovative educational strategies.
Commitment to Education and Community
In the exceptional teachers category, educators will be recognized for their dedication to inspiring students and their contributions to innovative educational initiatives. Additionally, the outstanding team category will honor those who exemplify collaboration and teamwork, supporting activities that promote loyalty and belonging to the nation. Distinguished students will be celebrated for their academic excellence and commitment to national values during summer activities.
The implementation of the “Excellence Awards” will coincide with the summer programs organized by the National Fund, where participant performances will be monitored and evaluated for awards at the program’s conclusion. The awards ceremony will feature officials and educators, serving as a powerful motivator for participants, particularly students, to continue striving for excellence, viewing national identity and the Arabic language as foundational elements of their educational and personal journeys.
Al Qargawy emphasized that under Sheikh Nahyan’s leadership, the National Fund continues to provide innovative programs and initiatives aimed at building a dynamic and creative youth base capable of contributing to the nation’s comprehensive development goals. The summer programs are designed to attract thousands of students aged 8 to 16 from various Emirates, offering an engaging environment that blends entertainment with knowledge, focusing on vital themes such as national identity, future skills, innovation, and community responsibility.