Dubai Women’s College Awarded Competitive Grant From Emirates Foundation

Dubai Women’s College (DWC) has been awarded 150,000 AED by the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy for a successful project proposal entitled “One Book, One HCT”. The project will promote reading among students and their families across the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) through a variety of events, activities, lectures, and social interactions based on the themes from the book Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. Over 18,000 Emirati students will benefit from this program starting in Spring 2010.

The program will be the first of its kind at HCT and will follow successful examples of community-wide reading programs from around the world. Dr. Howard Reed, Senior HCT Director, and Director of DWC said, “Reading is a critical aspect of learning, but yet it is not a well developed habit amongst Emirati students.” Many young Emiratis never read for pleasure and some do not have a habit of reading news, either in print or on-line. “The ‘One Book, One HCT’ is a bold initiative by HCT Librarians to develop reading as an essential and fun habit throughout the UAE. The HCT is proud to be partners with the Emirates Foundation and appreciate their grant,” he added.

The grant, resulting from a joint effort of a team of HCT librarians, spearheaded by Dubai Women’s College, will allow for distribution of over 3000 copies of Jules Verne’s book which will be promoted by prominent guests and speakers. “One of our goals in the library is to promote a culture of reading among our student population,” said Alicia Salaz, DWC Faculty Librarian and program coordinator. “Reading is such an enriching experience, and we hope to help our students develop a lifelong habit of reading through events such as this one” she added. The copies of Jules Verne’s book will be distributed to HCT students who will be encouraged to get their families, parents and children involved, too.

Khuloud Al Nuwais, Director of Projects at the Emirates Foundation said: “The Foundation has been among the first organizations to create and support initiatives to promote the culture of reading, such as “Emirates Read,” “The Mobile Library in Al Ain” and grants allocated to support the advancement of school libraries.” She added: “We are committed to support such initiatives, focusing on promoting knowledge and enhancing the skills and aspirations of the younger generation. Our goal is to achieve social betterment through strategic partnerships that involves the community.”