Abu Dhabi, UAE, 7th October, 2013: Over 540 education professionals from across the UAE took part in a three-day orientation workshop, organized by Emirates Foundation's ‘Think Science' program. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council, the workshop targeted science teachers and lab technicians from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, in order to promote the Think Science Competition. The orientation, held for private and public schools, was conducted in a set of two workshops in each Emirate. The first two workshops began in Dubai, covering also the Emirates of Sharajh, Al Fujairah, Um Al Quain and Ras Al Khaimah, followed by Abu Dhabi, covering also Al Gharbiah and concluded in Al Ain. Participating science teachers and lab technicians attending the orientation workshops discussed ways and means of encouraging students who are interested in participating in the nationwide competition to explore their scientific talents and to get inspired to choose science for their studies and career paths. The educators were also given insight on guiding their students on proper selection processes for choosing and implementing their science projects along with highlighting the terms and conditions for participating and selecting the right project, in accordance to the norms of the competition. “Our Think Science program has gained a lot of popularity in the last year, which has motivated us to organize the ‘Think Science Competition' on a large scale,” said Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programs Officer, Emirates Foundation for Youth Development. “Organizing the three-day orientation program has helped us reach out to many more students this year through their educators, thereby getting us closer to our main objective of connecting the youth with science studies.” In addition to public and private schools, the extensive media and public awareness campaigns included targeting the youth at various universities and specialized colleges, which gained momentum with an intensive social media and posters distribution across the country. Students aged between 15 and 24 years are enrolled in a public and/or private school or universities are invited to enter the competition in teams of up to three individuals. Each team must include at least one Emirati national. The deadline for online registration and proposals submission is November 15, 2013. Mu'az Ghaith, Head of Science, the secondary Applied Technology-Boys, Abu Dhabi branch, commented, “We are glad to participate in the Think Science competition for the second year, as it serves as an incentive to encourage students to implement directly what they have learned in the field of engineering and to create various projects in the field of practical chemistry, physics and renewable energy. The “Think Science” competition is a great opportunity for all students to participate with their projects. He further added, “From our participation in various international competitions we have found major convergence in the standard of research and the quality of the projects participated in Think Science. We can genuinely say that although this competition has been initiated locally, it meets international standards.” According to Emirates Foundation, it is imperative to create a sustainable platform for the youth of today, who will contribute to the future as science ambassadors in the world of science and technology. If you believe you are someone who is capable to be the next ‘big scientist' then visit; www.emiratesfoundation.ae/thinkscience, online registrations will be open for participation and proposal submission has already begun and will go on until 15thNovember, 2013. The other eligibility criteria's are:
• Age: 15-24 years
• A maximum of three students in each team, with a minimum of one being an Emirati by nationality The challenge of this competition is in designing and developing scientific innovations and applying the skills in solving the scientific problems that are of concern to the UAE society. Participants will showcase their innovative projects in the final Think Science Fair, and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony in April 2014. Successful entries will be rewarded with valuable prizes, exploration trips, and empowerment opportunities offered by private sector partners. Think Science
Emirates Foundation “Think Science” program aims to inspire, encourage, and empower Emirati youth, between the age of 15 and 24 years, to choose science for their studies and career path in order to reach their fullest potential and respond to the nation's demand for science talents. The program has three interrelating projects:
“Think Science” Competition is a nationwide competition to explore scientific talents
“Think Science” Ambassadors inspires, encourages and recognizes youth to further develop their knowledge and analytical thinking, and participate in solving local and global technological issues.
“Think Science Connect” is a platform that connects youth interested in science, provides a sustainable interaction platform between young science ambassadors and science industries, and creates an “Emirati science talents” database accessible to relevant key stakeholders and vice versa. ABOUT EMIRATES FOUNDATIONEmirates Foundation (EF) was launched in April 2005 as an initiative from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In 2012, Emirates Foundation was re-launched under the name “Emirates Foundation for Youth Development” as an integrated national initiative that seeks to invest in UAE youth. EF's strategy uses the model of venture philanthropy to develop nationwide programs that aim to impact the lives of UAE youth positively and permanently in a manner that is measurable and sustainable.
The Foundation works in three key areas: social inclusion – looking at some of the challenges facing young people; community engagement – encouraging youth to participate in a voluntary capacity in the civil society; and leadership and empowerment – helping to build young people's ‘soft skills and prepare them for the work place.
EF seeks to identify, educate and inform the public about some of the challenges facing UAE youth while identifying opportunities for growth and development for young people themselves. We develop sustainable, enterprise-based solutions to social issues that help motivate and guide young Emiratis through programs that help them understand the value of giving back to society while developing their capabilities, confidence and leadership skills. Emirates Foundation works in partnership with both the private and public sectors and aims to create a strong culture of giving among the business sector. It is funded through financial contributions from both the government and the private sector.
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