Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, announced the establishment of National Identity Clubs in schools, colleges and universities in the country, which aligns with Sandooq Al Watan’s pursuit of fostering a "strong and sustainable national identity," grounded in empowerment, productivity and responsibility.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said that this reflects a sincere response to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who emphasises that pride in national identity is pride in the unique characteristics of the society, as well as a deep understanding of its aspirations, its ambitions, principles, values, and ways of life.
"As His Highness the President of the UAE reminds us, pride in the national identity reaffirms our well-established characteristics: our good morals, behaviour, and the Emirati rich history, enduring heritage, dynamic vitality, and continuous achievements,” he added.
This came during the closing ceremony of the summer programmes of Sandooq Al Watan and the launch of National Identity Clubs.
The ceremony included a speech by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honouring the distinguished students and teachers, and distributing medals of excellence to schools, universities and colleges that participated in the programmes of Sandooq Al Watan.
The ceremony included a presentation on the objectives and operations of National Identity Clubs in schools and universities, along with discussion panels reviewing their annual activities, organisational structure, and communication methods.
Over 500 outstanding school and university students attended, along with teachers, university professors, and the Director General of Sandooq Al Watan, Yasser Al Gergawi.
At the start of his speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak welcomed students and representatives from educational institutions involved in Sandooq Al Watan's national identity programmes, announcing the next phase aimed at further strengthening national identity, building on the successful initiatives from last summer.
He also announced that the new phase will witness the establishment of national identity clubs in every school, college and university to showcase the students’ abilities and enthusiasm throughout the school year, demonstrating their commitment to serving their country, aligning with its goals and objectives, showing loyalty to its leaders and symbols, and celebrating its highest human values.
He also expressed gratitude and respect to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, offering him a pledge and a promise to always meet his expectations with sincerity and love for the country.
"We promise to dedicate all our efforts and energy to empowering students in schools, colleges and universities, so that they may always take pride in its history, heritage and culture its esteemed position among the nations of the world, and its immense capability to contribute actively and effectively to global development.“
He announced that the number of participants in the summer programmes of Sandooq Al-Watan this year has reached approximately twenty-four thousand students, in schools, colleges and universities.
“This number is expected to grow each year, eventually encompassing the majority of male and female students, in all educational institutions across the country.”
“Today, as we announce the establishment of National Identity Clubs, we affirm that we at Sandooq Al Watan see in these clubs a remarkable embodiment of a core principle in the journey of our beloved country – our commitment to working collectively with a spirit of teamwork to achieve noble goals for both the country and its citizen, alike,” he added.
Sheikh Nayan bin Mubarak further stated, “These clubs will embody the virtues of teamwork in various aspects, including establishing effective channels of communication and understanding, exchanging opinions and ideas, and committing to clear and specific goals, or building a strong partnership with the progress of the school, college, university, or society at large."
Additionally, the clubs will set high expectations for performance, with a focus on enriching the student's lives by developing their abilities for critical thinking, initiative and decision-making.
"All of this will take place within a framework for shared understanding, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, adherence to positive behaviour standards, and active participation in activities and initiatives," he noted.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak explained that the National Identity Clubs, which uphold these characteristics and qualities for productive teamwork, are dedicated to achieving the ultimate goal: providing students with opportunities to serve themselves, their community, and the world.
“Through this, they aim to develop students’ leadership skills, enabling them to embody values of generosity, giving, integrity, honesty, responsibility, courage, loyalty, tolerance and human fraternity, self-confidence, love for their country, and full trust in its prosperous future.”
He affirmed that these values define the UAE’s progress under the wise leadership of its esteemed leaders and the continuous achievements of its loyal and generous people.
He reiterated that National Identity Clubs will promote initiatives benefiting society, such as enhancing educational environments, preserving nature, holding events, and quality-of-life programmes like anti-obesity and tech education.
“Upcoming efforts include volunteering in schools and healthcare facilities nationwide.”
He hoped the National Identity Clubs would nurture the Arabic language, promote culture and arts, foster values of knowledge, and serve as a platform for youth enthusiasm in volunteering, public service, and research on UAE national identity.
He announced that Sandooq Al Watan, in collaboration with community institutions, will launch a grants and awards programme to honour excellence and support National Identity Clubs.
