Two bright but needy teenagers get a gift of a lifetime: free university education at a prestigious university in Dubai
High school toppers -- Emirati girl Mariam Shaheen Baloushi and Iraqi boy Ahmad Sadiq -- join Computer Science program at UOWD
High school toppers -- Emirati girl Mariam Shaheen Baloushi and Iraqi boy Ahmad Sadiq -- both economically disadvantaged students from Manar Iman Charity School, Ajman, who crowned their brilliant academic career with a percentage of over 96 per cent, have just got their dream of joining university realized.
Mariam and Ahmad would not have been able to join a Bachelor Program in Computer Science in a reputed international university, had it not been for the ‘Read and Reach Scholarships’ launched recently by the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) as part its 15th anniversary celebrations.
Mariam, the eldest among four sisters and a brother, completed her high school this year with a percentage of 96.4% at Manar Iman Charity School, which provides free education to needy students of all nationalities. Aware of her economic conditions, Mariam, who is a go-getter brimming with self-confidence, had already decided to take up a job and then self-finance her university education from her savings.
“I had never in my wildest dreams thought that I would get to study in a big university, and that too free of charge,” said Mariam, excitement writ large on her face. “It is certainly a dream come true, and I am determined to use this opportunity to rise to my full potential. I will keep chasing my dream until I achieve all my goals.”
The ambitious young Emirati girl has very high aspirations, combined with a steely determination to succeed against all odds. She did not want to be photographed because her father would object.
“Someday, I want to have my own computer company, or at least become the manager of a big company,” she says confidently. “I will not rest on my laurels. I want to be No. 1 in whatever I do. You will hear a lot about me in the years to come, I assure you.”
Mariam has high praise for her school, which incidentally has been producing consistently high results (above 90 per cent) year after year, despite the fact that the students come from challenging backgrounds, with low financial means.
Ahmed Sadiq, a student of the same school, has two brothers and two sisters. Ahmed, who also obtained 90 per cent in the final school year, is originally from Baghdad, but did his early schooling in Yemen, before coming to Ajman. Ahmed’s two elder sisters are studying in a university in Baghdad, while two younger brothers are schooling in Ajman.
“I had decided to go back to Baghdad to join university there, knowing my family’s financial condition,” says Ahmed. “The UOWD scholarship came as a godsend. My father would not have been able to pay the fees in a big university in Dubai. Now I get to pursue my university studies in my favourite subject since childhood -- Computer Science. I don’t now how to express my joy.”
As a computer whiz kid, Ahmed is determined to make a mark in this field once he completes his university degree.
“After graduation, I want to work in a big company, and at the same time do my masters. I would like to excel in the development of new software. I am confident my education at UOWD will provide me the tools and motivation to accomplish my goals.”
The scholarships are a result of collaboration between UOWD’s Connexions Club and Manar Iman Charity School. The students were selected on the basis of academic performance, after a series of tests and interviews. They also had to complete the IELS test for proficiency in English.
“These scholarships represent our commitment to the UAE community,” remarked Raymi van der Speck, Vice President Administration, UOWD. “Under this program, up to five academically meritorious but economically disadvantaged students will get a rare opportunity of fulfilling their dream of pursuing university education. We could not think of a better way of commemorating our milestone of completing 15th years in the UAE.”
