Dh1.3m in prizes announced for winners of UAE’s oldest educational award

The Sharjah Educational Excellence Award was first launched in 1994

People from the educational community, including teachers, pupils, parents, institutions and supportive staff, are eligible to apply. Pawan Singh / The National

More than Dh1.3 million in prizes await winners of the 28th Sharjah Educational Excellence Award.

The annual award by Sharjah Education Council is aimed at recognising outstanding work in advancing the educational system in the country.

People from the educational community, including teachers, pupils, parents, institutions and supportive staff, are eligible to apply.

They need to provide official and supporting documents that explain their work on the award’s website https://award-shj.ae/.

Applications will be reviewed by a team of experts before results are announced in January next year.

Dr Saeed Al Kaabi, Chairman of Sharjah Education Council, announced the award’s full digital transformation as part of its new strategy during a ceremony held in Sharjah on Friday.

“We launch a new strategy in order to continue achieving remarkable results in the process of developing the educational system, which is a priority for the Emirate of Sharjah,” said Dr Al Kaabi.

His address was relayed to the audience through hologram technology as he was unable to attend in person.

From submitting applications to assessment, the award will become paperless this year to encourage more people to take part and share their experiences.

Dr Al Kaabi said applicants can inquire through the award’s social media accounts facebook.com/sharjahsec, instagram.com/sec_sharjah, and twitter.com/SEC_Sharjah.

Alia Al Hosani, director of the award, said more categories have been introduced this year to involve all members of the educational field.

“A significant category that has been added this year is Al Jawharah, which will be granted to a distinguished personality for their individual achievements and initiatives that have left a valuable educational impact,” Ms Al Hosani said.

“For this category, personalities can apply or be nominated by their institutions and the prize for one winner will be Dh100,000.”

A total of Dh335,000 in prizes will be given to six winners in the category of distinguished institutions such as nurseries, schools and establishments that support education.

Another Dh170,000 will be given to eight winners in the distinguished work teams category.

Distinguished individuals category will include teachers, educational leaders pupils, supporting staff members and parents.

Twenty outstanding pupils from second to 12th grades will be awarded Dh20,000 each as part of this category while Dh130,000 will be given to four outperforming teachers.

Another Dh210,000 is dedicated to exceptional educational leaders, supporting staff members, and parents.

Ms Al Hosani said a cartoon has been created to support the goals of the award and will be available soon on a number of local channels, including Sharjah TV.

“The Heroes of Excellence cartoon is new to the award and will be highlighting the importance of developing and refining capabilities and skills of all members of the educational community,” Ms Al Hosani said.

Launched in 1994 by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, the award is the oldest in the history of the UAE that promotes excellence and innovation, recognises outstanding performers, and encourages improvement among educational professionals and establishments, pupils and parents.

Last year, 799 applicants from public and private educational establishments singed up compared with 575 in the previous edition.