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Kids hone skills at workshop

DUBAI - Twenty-nine children took part in the Dubai Quality Group (DQG) educational workshop, which was organised in close coordination with the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) Office.

The workshop, held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel on June 29 as part of the 'Quality for Kids Programme', was aimed at enhancing and developing the skills of the younger generation and helping them take their places as the future leaders of the society.

Held under the theme of Headstart (Personality Development for Children), the educational workshop focused on boosting the special qualities and self-image of the little ones in order to achieve peace, prosperity, success and a positive personality. The sessions were facilitated by Dina Faidi, a consultant, speaker and master trainer.

During the workshop, Dina talked about integrity, honesty, non-violence, courtesy and other 'good' qualities one has to inculcate to be a part of an advanced and well-respected society. The children represented a lot of nationalities including from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Palestine and Jordan. The room was set up in such a way that every child could have a clear view of Dina as she made a power point presentation.

Badriya Al Tamimi, Manager of the DQG, said, "The success of the workshop can be gauged from the excellent response it evoked. Group of children, representing different nationalities and culture in the age-group of nine to 15 years took part in the workshop, which were aimed at further stimulating their personalities and imagination and focused on developing their leadership qualities."

She added, "The workshop was aimed at boosting the information, skills and talents already present in the children and encouraging them to build on it in a constructive manner. Topics were chosen in line with the market needs and it was very encouraging to see the kids excited over their new experience. Each student will get a certificate of attendance. There is also a best student award - a boy and a girl, who will be given away prizes, sponsored by Giordano and Farook Stationers."

An official of Farook Stationers said, "We are proud to be a part of the workshop and I believe that we need to invest our time and knowledge to create future leaders from this part of the world. We are continuously working in guiding our young generation to develop confidence, professionalism and responsibility."

Right Selection, a bookstore, had also put up a display of books for the kids and parents to partake of at a discounted price.

Nine-year-old Mirna Magdy from Egypt, a student of St. Mary's, participated in the workshop for the first time. "It's really cool. Though I was not a keen entrant in the workshop, I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it, as I learnt so many new aspects - respect, trust and other values."

Shah Rukh Ali, a 10-year-old from Pakistan, is studying at the School of Knowledge. "I am attending the workshop for the second year running and I am glad that Dubai is working so hard in teaching the kids new things they can use in the future."

Abhinav Mathur, an 11-year-old Indian citizen and a student of Chouiefat School, feels the workshop has improved his personality. "I feel a lot more confident after participating in the session and it was lot of fun. In fact, I forced my parents to be a part of this exercise."

Eleven-year-old Faisal Ashour from Palestine, who is a student of Mawakeb School, feels he has learnt to be a lot more responsible. "It's hard to find workshops that improve the personalities of kids. Attending such workshop is a cool experience, as we get to interact with children from so many different nationalities, different cultures etc but all of us working towards a common goal."

Abdul Jaleel and Aisha Al Abbasi from UAE, who are 13 and 10 respectively, are studying in the National School of Dubai. "We love Dina Faidi as she is so much like our mother, teaching us self-control, respect and how to present ourselves."

Another programme to be held as part of the 'Quality for Kids Programme' is 'The Little Leaders', which will be organised on July 3 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. The programme will help the little ones develop and use their potential in the society, developing the skills of enquiry, working with others, communication, participation and responsible action. The facilitator for the programme is Trippta Fernandez, an internationally certified instructor. The fee is Dh150 per participant. Further details can be obtained from Rima Khodr on rima@dqg.org or on telephone, 04-3431950.

Meanwhile, as part of its association with the DSS 2004, Coop Islami, the region's leading supplier of Halal food products, is sponsoring the Food Court in the Family Zone at the Modhesh Fun City.

Coop Islami has ensured a prominent branding in the zone, offering a wide range of products that are of interest to the children and the adults alike. To create the right ambience, Coop Islami has featured a range of fun cartoon characters.