The second in the series of Start Early seminars was conducted with the Doha International Institute for Families Research of the Qatar Foundation. The 18 participants consisted of kindergarten principals and teachers, as well as four representatives from the Permatta Program in Malaysia.

A series of seven Start Early seminars were planned throughout the GCC, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Boeing. The first workshop of the series was conducted in Doha at the Social Development Center of the Qatar Foundation. The 33 attendees benefitted from Start Early’s four day training program which promotes a holistic approach to education and focuses on the skills needed to develop a child’s intelligence, natural curiosity and eagerness to learn from an early age.

Thanks to the sponsorship of HSBC’s Future First program and the partnership of Fujairah Welfare Association and the Social Development Center, 36 orphaned and underprivileged children, ages 8 – 12, benefited from a four-day English Live Kids program in Fujairah. The children enjoyed activities, group discussions, games and role play as they improved their English skills, built their vocabulary and gained confidence in speaking English.

Action Care, sponsored by HSBC’s Future First program and partnering with Dar Zayed Institute in Al Ain, hosted an English Live program for underprivileged and orphaned boys ages 13 – 17 years old. The four days of intensive English study included group discussions, debates and role play to improve students’ conversation skills, build their vocabulary, and give them experience and training in public speaking.

The Teacher’s Training Course focuses on leadership development for teachers and teaching creative writing. From February to March Action Care, in partnership with Emirates National Bank, conducted a series of these seminars for 30 English teachers of grade 1 – 5 at the Sheikha Bint Saeed Model School in Ajman Education Zone.