Dubai-based educationist Sunny Varkey, chairman of GEMS Education which claims to own and/or manage the world’s largest number of private schools, has launched an education foundation which will enable 10 million children worldwide to access quality schooling. The Varkey GEMS Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable initiative, was launched by former US President Bill Clinton in Dubai on December 13.
“The benefits from an educated child will affect not only the child itself, but his or her family and the wider community. The Varkey GEMS Foundation’s commitment will bring that opportunity to millions more children around the world,” said Clinton speaking on the occasion.
Stressing the importance of education in transforming lives, Varkey said: “I believe that education is the greatest gift that a socio-economically disadvantaged household can receive because it provides an opportunity to be lifted out of poverty.”
GEMS Education already works with Pratham, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Tony Blair Faith Foundation and Dubai Cares. Early this year, GEMS Education constituted the Guruvar awards in India, the most valuable teacher awards worldwide to reward and recognise outstanding contributions made by teachers.
IMU Asia campus concordat
Scomi Marine BHD, an oil and gas services provider listed on the Main Market of Bursa Securities Malaysia Berhad and an associate company of Scomi Group Bhd, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Maritime University (IMU), Intan Asia Sdn Bhd (IASB) and Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) to establish a framework of cooperation between the four parties to provide maritime academic programmes including training, research, consultancy and services in Malaysia at a campus to be established in PKFZ.
Under the terms of the MoU, the parties will establish the maritime academy through joint management academic committees which will plan, direct and manage the project and academic curriculum respectively. PKFZ has been identified as the ideal location for setting up the IMU Asia campus as it offers excellent connectivity and infrastructure facilities.
IMU is a Central university established in 2008 by the ministry of shipping, government of India under an Act of Parliament (2008) with its headquarters in Chennai. IMU also has regional campuses in Mumbai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Cochin. Meanwhile, IASB is a private limited company established in Malaysia, engaged in the business of general trading services, transportation and management, and PKFZ is an integrated 1,000-acre commercial and industrial zone providing facilities for international cargo distribution. PKFZ is situated in Port Klang, Malaysia, the world’s 15th ranked port in 2009 in terms of throughput volume.
“The establishment of the IMU Asia campus will form a part of Scomi’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in Malaysia. Our intention is to train young Malaysians for careers in the shipping industry,” says Shah Hakim Zain, chief executive of Scomi Group.
The Indian Maritime University Asia campus will offer the following degree/diploma study programmes: diploma in nautical studies; degree courses in nautical studies, nautical science, shipbuilding and repair, maritime science, maritime engineering, naval architecture and ocean engineering.
AIS invites enrolment applications
Sited in Mumbai’s new Bandra-Kurla business district, Ascend International School (AIS) will admit its first batch of K-12 students in August this year. AIS is a collaborative venture with the University Child Development School (UCDS), Seattle, USA.
“Individualised learning is the crux of Ascend International School. AIS students will be motivated to act in the selfless tradition of the Indian heart, actively contributing to their expanding global community. Our multi-age classrooms will be innovative learning laboratories where students and faculty interact. As we embark upon our inaugural years, we invite you to become familiar with the Ascend community,” says Betsy Watkins, principal of AIS.
Adds Aditya Patil, chief executive of AIS: “The customised programme at AIS is built upon proven teaching practices, coupled with current educational research. As our students learn to innovate, create and evolve beyond their current understanding, it is crucial that they maintain the core values and traditions that are true to Indian culture.”
ICICI Foundation fellowships invitation
ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth invites applications from college/university students for the position of ICICI Fellows, a pioneer leadership programme designed to create a cadre of socially responsible leaders for India.
Welcoming applications on December 6 in Mumbai, Subrata Mukherji co-president of the ICICI Foundation said: “We are cultivating the next generation of leaders for all industries, who will be shaped forever by what they learn and experience in rural India. We believe that the next 50 years of India’s development will be driven by growth and dynamism in rural India. Whether in business, civil society, the social sector or politics, India’s future leaders will be well served by first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities found there.”
The ICICI Fellows programme was launched in 2009 and is designed for high-achieving youth between 21-28 years. Fellows spend two years working on grassroots development projects with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in rural India, combined with modules on management training and leadership development.
Interested applicants must complete an online application and take an aptitude test. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at assessment centres in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata. The ICICI Fellows class of 2011-2013 will be announced in May 2011. Selected ICICI Fellows designate will receive a monthly stipend and medical insurance during the fellowship period. Last year, the ICICI Fellows programme received 20,000 registrations and 2,000 applications of whom 18 individuals were selected. For further details visit http://www.icicifoundation.org/icicifellows.