Latest news with #AlessandroMaffi
Web Release
20-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts Donates to Dubai Cares in Support of Youth Skilling Programs
L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, has announced that it has raised a total of AED 717,720 for Dubai Cares, after one year of opening its permanent campus in Dubai in April 2024. The amount represents 100% of the proceeds collected from all public courses and talks, as well as the recent Ramadan 'Book One. Give One' campaign. The funds will support the UAE-based global philanthropic organization's youth skilling programs in developing countries, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), equipping young people with the competencies needed to thrive in a changing world and unlocking long-term social and economic impact. The announcement comes as L'ÉCOLE Middle East marks the successful first year of its permanent campus at Dubai Design District (d3) — its first in the region. The campus was established with a vision to make the world of jewelry arts accessible to all, offering a wide range of educational programs, exhibitions, and public events that celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage. This unique model of learning and giving has positioned the School as not only a hub for artistic discovery, but also a driver of social impact through education, with every course attended contributing directly to supporting global youth development through Dubai Cares. To mark this key milestone, a cheque was presented by Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels MEIAT, to His Excellency Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares. The presentation symbolized a shared commitment to driving human development by celebrating the transformative power of education as a catalyst for lasting change across generations. L'ÉCOLE Middle East's contribution has played a meaningful role in scaling Dubai Cares' global youth skilling efforts. In 2024 alone, this support has contributed towards delivering certified training to over 1.25 million young individuals, nearly half of whom were young women. By fostering inclusive and accessible learning pathways, the School is helping bridge the gender gap and enable youth to adapt to the demands of an evolving global workforce. Alessandro Maffi, President Van Cleef & Arpels MEIAT, said: 'Van Cleef & Arpels upholds its values of creation, transmission and a bonded sense of togetherness – a remarkable characteristic of the Maison since its inception. As 2025 is the Year of Community, I am proud to witness the positive impact that L'ÉCOLE Middle East is creating and upholding its dedication of sharing the knowledge of jewelry arts and collectively converting it into inspirational initiatives that create a strong contribution to the UAE's society and beyond.' He adds, 'I dream for this act to go beyond generations, giving the chance for the youth of today to develop their skill sets and unlock the potential for the youth of tomorrow, leaving a lasting legacy.' His Excellency Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, said, 'This partnership represents a powerful investment in human development. With the support of L'ÉCOLE Middle East and Van Cleef & Arpels, we are channeling resources into nurturing the potential of young people – giving them access to the values, skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to grow into active, empowered contributors to their societies. And this goes beyond education or employment; it's about shaping individuals who can uplift their communities and break cycles of inequality for collective global action towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. We thank L'ÉCOLE Middle East for being a close and committed partner on Dubai Cares' journey to champion human development and shape a future defined by opportunity, dignity, and lasting progress.' 'Education is at the heart of everything we do at L'ÉCOLE,' said Sophie Claudel, Director of L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts. 'Through our partnership with Dubai Cares, we extend the power of learning far beyond the world of jewelry arts, reaching communities across the globe. We are deeply grateful to the generous contributions of our students, both adults and kids, who share with us the responsibility of making a difference to the lives of youth and paving the way to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on expertise to unlock their potential and transform their aspirations into reality.' L'ÉCOLE Middle East has been supporting Dubai Cares since 2017, when it was first established in the region through 'Nomadic Schools' – ephemeral travelling school programs. Since then, the partnership was cultivated in a profound way, setting a renewed dimension in 2024 with the opening of its permanent campus at Dubai Design District. The two organizations signed an ongoing agreement which exclusively provides Dubai Cares with 100% of proceeds collected from L'ÉCOLE's public courses and talks, to support youth education programs in developing countries. L'ÉCOLE Middle East is dedicated to making the world of jewelry arts accessible to all. By opening its doors to enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike, L'ÉCOLE is fostering creativity, craftsmanship, and curiosity in the Middle East. Through this partnership, L'ÉCOLE Middle East is not only introducing learners to the history, savoir-faire and gemstones behind jewelry, but it is also giving back to the global community to create a brighter future together.
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AUS partners with L'ÉCOLE ME to bridge academia and jewelry arts
Educational and professional development opportunities for AUS students and faculty Through this collaboration, AUS students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of L'ÉCOLE Middle East's specialized courses and gain practical insights by participating in courses, workshops, talks, exhibitions, and networking events. AUS faculty will benefit from professional development and knowledge exchange through opportunities within L'ÉCOLE Middle East's global network and branches. The AUS - L'ÉCOLE ME partnership will further drive academic cooperation by enabling joint research projects, guest lectures, and mentorship programs, while fostering industry-academia engagement through co-hosted events. L'ÉCOLE Middle East will also engage with AUS students and faculty on future initiatives, ensuring a sustained exchange of knowledge and expertise that enriches both the academic and professional development of AUS' community. Statements from leadership Commenting on the partnership, Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said: 'This agreement with L'ÉCOLE Middle East aligns with our strategic vision of providing students with global learning experiences while ensuring our faculty remain at the forefront of industry knowledge and innovation. Partnerships like this reinforce AUS' position as a hub where academic excellence intersects with industry leadership, empowering our students and faculty to shape the future of creative and cultural industries.' Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East and India, said: 'The alliance of two esteemed institutions is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels' values of transmission, providing access to the jewelry culture to the widest possible audience.' Sophie Claudel, Director of L'ÉCOLE Middle East, added: "As 2025 is the UAE Year of Community, embracing this educational exchange exemplifies our commitment to fostering and engaging with different communities like higher education and research, to spread educational excellence and cultural collaboration. By bridging the gap between the academic world and the jewelry culture, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of creatives, providing them with unparalleled access to knowledge and expertise in jewelry craftsmanship, art history, and gemology." AUS's role in global collaborations and partnerships AUS is renowned for its strategic partnerships and global collaborations. The university works closely with industry leaders, private and governmental entities, and academic institutions to create opportunities that enrich its academic environment and support student and faculty development. These partnerships strengthen AUS' position as a leading institution that connects education with industry, empowering its community to contribute meaningfully to regional and global progress. To learn more about AUS partnerships, visit About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow. About L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts Founded in Paris in 2012 with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels, L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts aims to introduce the public to all aspects of jewelry culture. It is an initiation school, open to everyone, with no special prerequisites. L'ÉCOLE targets complete beginners as well as enlightened amateurs, collectors and those with a curiosity for the world of jewelry. In line with its worldwide locations, L'ÉCOLE established its Middle Eastern campus in Dubai at d3 in April 2024. It offers courses in three major fields: the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones and the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques, taught by art historians, gemologists, jewelers and artisans. The classes are all practice-based and the students experiment with gestures, skills and tools, guided by their lecturers. L'ÉCOLE also offers other activities: exhibitions, books publishing, videos, podcasts, as well as in-person and online talks. Creative workshops were also created for children and teenagers. All proceeds from L'ÉCOLE Middle East's public courses and talks are donated to Dubai Cares to support youth education programmes, underscoring the school's commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment.
Zawya
26-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AUS partners with L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts to bridge academia and world of jewelry
Sharjah, UAE – As part of its ongoing commitment to global outreach and fostering transformative partnerships, American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with L'ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels—a globally renowned institution whose mission is to introduce the public to all aspects of jewelry culture. This strategic partnership aims to bridge academia and the jewelry arts, offering AUS students and faculty a special access to industry expertise and hands-on learning experiences across L'ÉCOLE's three pillars: the history of jewelry, the world of gemstones and the savoir-faire of jewelry-making techniques. Through this collaboration, AUS students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of L'ÉCOLE Middle East's specialized courses and gain practical insights by participating in courses, workshops, talks, exhibitions and networking events. AUS faculty will benefit from professional development and knowledge exchange through opportunities within L'ÉCOLE Middle East's global network and branches. The partnership will further drive academic cooperation by enabling joint research projects, guest lectures and mentorship programs, while fostering industry-academia engagement through co-hosted events. L'ÉCOLE Middle East will also engage with AUS students and faculty on future initiatives, ensuring a sustained exchange of knowledge and expertise that enriches both the academic and professional development of AUS' community. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said: 'This agreement with L'ÉCOLE Middle East aligns with our strategic vision of providing students with global learning experiences while ensuring our faculty remain at the forefront of industry knowledge and innovation. Partnerships like this reinforce AUS' position as a hub where academic excellence intersects with industry leadership, empowering our students and faculty to shape the future of creative and cultural industries.' Alessandro Maffi, President of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East and India, said: 'The alliance of two esteemed institutions is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels' values of transmission, providing access of the jewelry culture to the widest possible audience.' Sophie Claudel, Director of L'ÉCOLE Middle East, added:"As 2025 is the UAE Year of Community, embracing this educational exchange exemplifies our commitment to fostering and engaging with different communities like higher education and research, to spread educational excellence and cultural collaboration. By bridging the gap between the academic world and the jewelry culture, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of creatives, providing them with unparalleled access to knowledge and expertise in jewelry craftsmanship, art history and gemology." AUS is renowned for its strategic partnerships and global collaborations. The university works closely with industry leaders, private and governmental entities and academic institutions to create opportunities that enrich its academic environment and support student and faculty development. These partnerships strengthen AUS' position as a leading institution that connects education with industry, empowering its community to contribute meaningfully to regional and global progress.
