DUBAI // A newly launched online learning system promises Arabs across the region access to a world-class education.
Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation For Education has unveiled the Open Learning Scholars Programme in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The programme, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, will allow Arabs of all ages from any country access to a tailor-made course by MIT.
“We are sorely lacking in science, engineering and mathematics skills in this region and by partnering with MIT we can offer a world-class-level education to Arabs, no matter where they are,” said Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, the foundation’s chairman of the board of trustees.
“We hope up to 15,000 students will benefit from this programme over the next 10 years.”
The first of two courses is part of MIT’s MicroMaster’s accreditation in the area of Data Science and Management.
The second MicroMaster’s course has yet to be finalised but will have a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and systems.
MIT’s involvement means any potential Arab students - from Morocco and Egypt to a Syrian refugee camp or in the Gaza Strip - can access it, Mr Al Ghurair .
The course is a blended model, which means it is a combination of face-to-face and online learning, that will provide an accredited degree and recognised credentials.
It is split into five, 12-week-long online modules, which once completed will earn the student an MIT credential.
Students can then apply to complete a Master’s at MIT or another university or look for employment.
“If a student completes the five courses, we can then provide them with scholarships to continue their Masters degree, be that at MIT or anywhere else,” said Mr Al Ghurair.
“Our aim is to bring back the skills and experience they gain to help benefit the region in a positive way.”
Although online course are not generally accredited by national governments or many private companies in the region, Mr Al Ghurair was hopeful that MIT’s involvement will begin to change such perceptions and force institutions into recognising these types of qualifications.
Professor Eric Grimson, chancellor for academic advancement at MIT, said: “As you would expect from MIT, this course isn’t going to be easy but for people with the talent, motivation and determination, it will help to open doors to new opportunities.”
Maysa Jalbout, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation’s chief executive, said the organisation was working with various United Nations and civil society bodies to bring the necessary resources to refugee camps so that they can gain access to the courses.
For more details, visit www.alghurairfoundation.org.
Abdulla Al Ghurair is a leading Emirati businessman who began education philanthropy in the 1960s. He has dedicated Dh4.2 billion of his wealth to the foundation.
nhanif@thenational.ae
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Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.
When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.
Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.
Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.
“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.
Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.
“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.
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