Star UAE pupils share Dh650,000 reward for top exam results

The Al Shola private schools group gives cash prizes to 188 high-achieving learners

Ibraheem Barakeh, director of the Al Shola schools group hands over a cash prize to a high-achieving pupil. All pictures by Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dozens of star pupils were rewarded for their excellent exam results

An awards ceremony was held for top pupils in Ajman

A pupil is honoured for his impressive exam results

The awards ceremony was a source of pride for pupils and their families

An audience member captures a precious moment from the awards event

The class of 2021 are just the latest to benefit from the school group's rewards policy

Dozens of star pupils in Sharjah and Ajman shared Dh650,000 after securing top marks in their final high-school exams.

The Al Shola network of private schools, which operates in both emirates, rewarded the impressive achievements of 188 learners at a ceremony held on Thursday.

Pupils who scored 90 per cent or more were eligible for the cash prizes, showing how hard work does pay off.

Of the pupils, 130 are from two Al Shola schools in Sharjah and the other 58 are from its branch in Ajman.

Pupils who achieved marks of between 90 and 94 per cent received Dh1,500 each from the schools' administration.

Those who notched up between 95 and 99 per cent or above went home with cash rewards between Dh2000 and Dh7500.

Minnatu-Allah El-Sayyed, from Egypt, achieved a score of 99.37 per cent.

“I didn’t open the envelope to see how much money I received. I’m just super happy for my high grade,” she said.

“There are no other schools that do this, it's not about the money, but the feeling of satisfaction about how our efforts are appreciated.”

Minnatu-Allah's two sisters graduated from the same group of school in 2012 and 2016.

They also have achieved top marks and received financial rewards.

The practice of recognising success in such a way dates back to 1993 with a batch of 17 pupils from the group’s first school in Sharjah rewarded for attaining top grades in high-school final exams.

“This batch is always dearly remembered by us at Al Shola schools group. It included eight girls and nine boys,” said Ibraheem Barakeh, director of Al Shola Schools Group.

Since 1993, more than Dh23 million has been given out to bright pupils.

“We have long realised the importance of encouragement, and have since put this realisation into practice,” said Mr Barakeh.

“By rewarding our pupils we are not only encouraging them to do their best, but are also showing them how much we appreciate their effort.”

Iraqi pupil Abdullah Bakir didn’t expect his score of 96 per cent.

“I thought I would get a 90 or 91 per cent maximum, and I was elated at my achievement,” he said.

“It's such a sweet gesture from the school to do this for us.”

Pupils who are top of their classes from all levels receive a 50 per cent discount on their annual school fees, said Mr Barakeh.