42 young girls shine at Sheikha Fatima Awards

Dubai - The students are selected from the GEMS Education schools across the UAE for their outstanding academic performance.

Recognition of female achievements is momentous as it empowers girls to accomplish greater heights in future, said the 42 young recipients of Sheikha Fatima Awards on Sunday.
The annual Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Awards for Excellence were presented to the students by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, at the GEMS Dubai American Academy. The students are selected from the GEMS Education schools across the UAE for their outstanding academic performance, leadership skills and their significant contribution to social, environmental and global citizenship.
"Sheikha Fatima stands out as an exceptional and distinguished person. She has helped make our country an example of excellence and success among the nations of the world," said Sheikh Nahyan.
"Our leaders champion the enlightened view that people should be supported in reaching their full potential. It is essential that we celebrate such strong academic performance, leadership and service," he added.
"Our national purpose is bound up in educating our people to participate fully in the lives of their communities and in the progress of the world, and so we must recognise those who set and reach the highest goals."
Sir Christopher Stone, chief education officer of GEMS Education, said: "We are proud to see so many of our students follow in the footsteps of Sheikha Fatima."
Students who won the award said that events highlighting the achievements of girl students are very important during this time and age. Libyan-German Shahd Shalak, a 16-year-old of Grade 10 student at Al Khaleej National School, said: "For centuries, the rights of women have been subjugated. Women have fought hard, and continue to fight. Rewarding young students for academic and co-curricular excellence is inspirational and motivational."
Nikhita Reddy, a 16-year-old Grade 12 student at the GEMS New Millennium School, said:
"Every girl needs to be known and rewarded for her achievement. This platform is extremely important as it empowers female students."
Meghan Tuttle, a 14-year-old American student of Gems United School, said: "It's important for this award to be given to girls. It gives students a chance to be recognised for their skills."
Anamika Raj, a 17-year-old student of Millennium School, Dubai, said: "I've been part of almost every club in school like debate, dance, elocution, and have also taken part in social activities including volunteering for the 2018 Kerala Floods. Today, women are coming up in every wake of life, it is important to recognise their achievements, leading to future potential."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

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