Latest news with #AliAlHosani
Sharjah 24
7 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
SPEA opens bridging program for "Proud to Be a Teacher" 5th batch
Recently, the SPEA launched a special bridging program for a new group of teachers. The first session was held online on August 4, with in-person sessions beginning on August 11 at the Sharjah Education Academy. This program is designed to help upcoming teachers build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, preparing them for their next steps in teacher training. Participants will learn essential skills such as improving their academic and language abilities, using research tools, thinking critically, and managing their learning effectively. The aim is to help them get ready for university and develop the self-discipline needed for a successful teaching career. Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, the Chairperson of SPEA, highlighted that this program is part of a strategic plan to enhance the education process by providing quality training for teachers. She mentioned that the "Proud to Be a Teacher" program reflects Sharjah's commitment to creating a sustainable education system that prioritizes the development of Emirati teachers. Ali Al Hosani, the Director General of the SPEA, stated that the bridging program is a vital step to prepare new teachers academically and professionally before they begin their postgraduate studies in teaching. This ensures that they acquire the necessary skills to meet quality standards in private education. Najla Al Mansouri, who leads the "Proud to Be a Teacher" program, shared that the curriculum was carefully designed based on the needs of new teachers. She stressed that this program is not just a preparatory course but a meaningful opportunity for teachers to gain valuable skills in managing classrooms and thinking critically. Since its launch in 2019, the "Proud to Be a Teacher" program has aimed to train local individuals from various backgrounds to become qualified teachers in private schools. It offers a recognized professional diploma combining both theory and hands-on experience, guided by experienced educators and training experts.
Sharjah 24
11-08-2025
- Sharjah 24
SPEA enhances school readiness with policies and projects
Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the SPEA, emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in creating a supportive and secure learning environment. She stated, "Education is the foundation of society, and everything we do is aimed at empowering students and teachers, making schools places that drive positive change." Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the SPEA, highlighted the rapid improvements within the Authority, thanks to the ongoing support from the leadership. He mentioned, 'We strive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth by focusing on our people, improving schools, and promoting a culture of quality and excellence, which are essential for sustainable education.' The SPEA remains dedicated to upholding high educational standards and developing policies that enhance the educational experience in Sharjah, aligning with the vision of its leaders and reinforcing the emirate's reputation as a center of outstanding education. The Authority is taking important steps to prepare for the upcoming school year to ensure that schools are ready and meet safety guidelines. A week before classes begin, they will visit several schools to check their readiness. They are also working with the Roads and Transport Authority to ensure that school buses meet safety standards. Additionally, the Authority is collaborating with the Sharjah Police to manage traffic around schools, making it safer for students when they get on and off the buses. To further improve safety, the Authority is continuing its "Your Children Are Safe" project, which started in February 2020. Launched under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh D. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the initiative aims to keep students safe during their daily commutes. The project includes a digital platform that monitors school trips for private schools, ensuring that transportation services follows the right rules. This system helps reduce risks, builds parents' confidence, and enables quick communication in emergencies. The Authority is also focused on providing a well-rounded education that caters to all students' needs. They are developing new policies related to extracurricular activities and student wellness. They aim to strengthen partnerships with organizations focused on health, sports, and community education. This includes launching new projects that support both educational and extracurricular activities, working closely with parents and the community to ensure schools are effective community hubs that help students develop important future skills. Furthermore, the Authority supports the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions in the educational sector. This award aims to promote high standards of quality and innovation in education. Recently, the award launched a new online platform for its 31st edition to make participation more accessible and effective. They are also updating support materials and organizing events to encourage more involvement in education, fostering a culture of excellence and creativity. SPEA has introduced several plans to prepare schools for the upcoming academic year. This includes issuing guidelines, holding training sessions, and organizing discussions aimed at teachers and staff in private schools. The goal is to ensure that students receive a smooth and high-quality education. As part of a project to meet international education standards, the Authority has started preparing for an important study called the PIRLS test. This test measures the reading skills of fourth-grade students in private schools and involves participants from the emirate. The Authority is dedicated to supporting and improving private schools and nurseries, tailoring help to fit the unique needs of each institution. They are committed to enhancing the quality of education and assist school leaders in creating self-evaluations and improvement plans. Alongside this, there are also opportunities for professional development in cooperation with the Sharjah Education Academy. SPEA is executing key projects as part of its plan for 2025-2028, with special attention to educational initiatives that promote quality of life, support for the Arabic language, and partnerships with educational institutions to drive excellence and sustainability. One of the significant initiatives is "With Arabic We Rise," which aims to strengthen the Arabic language in schools. This program features visits to schools, specialized training for teachers, and monthly meetings to share effective practices. It also includes the launch of resource materials like the "Teach Arabic" series and a digital library. In addition, the Authority is planning an international forum for Arabic language teachers to coincide with Teacher's Day, highlighting the importance of Arabic in education and connecting it to future skills. These efforts reflect the Authority's commitment to enhancing the education system in the emirate, making it more competitive and sustainable, while focusing on nurturing a stimulating learning environment that looks ahead and invests in people.
Sharjah 24
07-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa unveils the 7th edition of Access Sharjah Challenge
With a total prize value of AED 500,000, the Access Sharjah Challenge is now open for applications from education-focused startups around the world that have validated prototypes and are looking to scale internationally. Applications will be accepted until August 17. The challenge is being held in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy. The prize money will be divided equally between two winners, enabling them to test and implement their solutions at Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School and Al Badee Nursery. The upcoming edition, organized by Sheraa in collaboration with key implementation partners, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) invites leading global education startups at the Pre-Series A, Series A, B, and C+ stage to submit innovative solutions addressing two priority education challenges: Future-Ready Skills Challenge, which focuses on equipping students with foundational and digital skills to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging to the Arabic language and embedding it as a core part of a child's identity from an early age. This collaborative approach ensures that all challenge statements reflect real-world needs and that submitted solutions are positioned for meaningful and scalable impact across Sharjah's education ecosystem. Sharjah leads the future of education Commenting on the launch, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: We believe that meaningful innovation is defined by its ability to create real impact and expand access to learning. The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into scalable, real-world educational solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich an already vibrant learning ecosystem, offering educators and students renewed opportunities to embrace tools and technologies that nurture lifelong learning and spark intellectual curiosity.' She added: 'Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and private sectors. This solid foundation positions the emirate as a leader in reimagining the future of education. The Access Sharjah Challenge is an open invitation to the world's most innovative education startups to help shape an inclusive, agile, and future-ready learning model, built from within a community that champions creativity and innovation.' Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), emphasized the importance of the Authority's participation in the Sharjah Gateway Challenge. Through its presence, the Authority seeks to contribute to building an informed and empowered society grounded in knowledge and science. He noted that innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development, shaping the future, and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. He stressed that adopting innovative thinking mechanisms and providing a nurturing environment for talent are fundamental pillars in building a prosperous future for students. He said, "Through the educational brainstorming workshop, the Authority contributed to shaping the "Future-Ready Skills Challenge" as a key theme, driven by our belief in its role in leading a qualitative transformation in the education system." He expressed his pride in cooperating with Sheraa and the Sharjah Education Academy to launch this challenge, which represents an effective model for the integration of roles between educational institutions in the emirate. Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, the Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed: "We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) through the 'Access Sharjah' Challenge by launching our unique challenge, 'Arabic Language in Early Childhood'. This collaboration demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering educational innovation and entrepreneurial solutions that restore the Arabic language as a vital component of children's lives, serving as a means of identity, culture, and belonging, rather than just a communication tool." She added: "At Sharjah Education Academy, we strive to reimagine the presence of the Arabic language in our children's lives by integrating it in fun and engaging ways into everyday learning activities. We are committed to empowering teachers, involving families, and designing stimulating learning environments that make Arabic a vibrant, meaningful experience rooted in belonging from the earliest years of a child's life. We hope this challenge inspires innovative ideas that strengthen Arabic language learning and deepen generational connections to it." Eligibility and program criteria ASC 2025 is open to global startups with a previous track record in working with corporate or government collaborations. Applicants must offer impact-driven, adaptable, and market-ready educational solutions aligned to the program's challenge statements. Startups should also demonstrate strong leadership, market traction with existing users, and a willingness to establish a local presence in Sharjah to scale their solutions regionally. From over 2,000 applications, 10 startups will be shortlisted through a rigorous two-stage selection process. The first, Criteria-Based Filtering, will assess alignment with challenge themes, market readiness, and scalability. The second, Interview-Based shortlisting, will evaluate the startup's fit for Sharjah's context, pilot readiness, and long-term potential. AED 500,000 prize and pathway to scale Following the selection of the top 10 startups, a dedicated 'Champions Training' program on August 20 will prepare implementation leads from partner organizations to effectively guide the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase. These champions will be trained in best practices for startup mentorship, PoC management, and adaptive troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and impactful collaboration throughout the program. Participants will then undergo a tailored 'Startup Readiness Sprint' on August 27–28, designed to ensure alignment with the challenge. The program will focus on technical fit, pitch refinement, and collaboration readiness, equipping startups with a deep understanding of the challenge statements, partner expectations, and local market dynamics. The Startup Readiness Sprint concludes with a pitch to a judging panel comprising of the implementation partners, industry experts and key stakeholders; two winning startups will receive an equity-free grant of AED 250,000 each to pilot their solutions across schools and early childhood development centers in Sharjah. The pilot phase, starting on 22nd September 2025, will provide real-world testing environments, continuous support, and potential for long-term partnerships and scale. The program culminates in a showcase of pilot results at Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on 14 – 15 February 2016, where winners will be announced.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sheraa unveils the 7th edition of Access Sharjah Challenge to spark educational innovation
The challenge reinforces Sharjah's position as a leading hub for educational innovation in the region. Supporting the UAE's vision for Higher Education 2030 with a focus on innovation, creativity, and future readiness. AED 500,000 prize pool awaits global startups ready to redefine the future of education. Applications are open until 17 August 2025 for education-focused startups from around the world. Sara Al Nuaimi: Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure. Ali Al Hosani: Innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. Pauline Taylor-Guy: We are committed to empowering teachers, engaging families, and creating vibrant learning environments that make Arabic a meaningful experience rooted in belonging. Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) announced the opening of applications for the seventh edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge on July 7th, 2025, with this year's focus on the education sector. The challenge seeks to empower innovative solutions that leverage the transformative power of education to tackle key challenges in learning. This aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which aims to build an education system that nurtures knowledge, creativity, and future-ready skills. With a total prize value of AED 500,000, the Access Sharjah Challenge is now open for applications from education-focused startups around the world that have validated prototypes and are looking to scale internationally. Applications will be accepted until August 17. The challenge is being held in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy. The prize money will be divided equally between two winners, enabling them to test and implement their solutions at Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School and Al Badee Nursery. The upcoming edition, organized by Sheraa in collaboration with key implementation partners, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) invites leading global education startups at the Pre-Series A, Series A, B, and C+ stage to submit innovative solutions addressing two priority education challenges: Future-Ready Skills Challenge, which focuses on equipping students with foundational and digital skills to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging to the Arabic language and embedding it as a core part of a child's identity from an early age. This collaborative approach ensures that all challenge statements reflect real-world needs and that submitted solutions are positioned for meaningful and scalable impact across Sharjah's education ecosystem. Sharjah leads the future of education Commenting on the launch, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: We believe that meaningful innovation is defined by its ability to create real impact and expand access to learning. The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into scalable, real-world educational solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich an already vibrant learning ecosystem, offering educators and students renewed opportunities to embrace tools and technologies that nurture lifelong learning and spark intellectual curiosity.' She added: 'Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and private sectors. This solid foundation positions the emirate as a leader in reimagining the future of education. The Access Sharjah Challenge is an open invitation to the world's most innovative education startups to help shape an inclusive, agile, and future-ready learning model, built from within a community that champions creativity and innovation.' H.E. Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), emphasized the importance of the Authority's participation in the Sharjah Gateway Challenge. Through its presence, the Authority seeks to contribute to building an informed and empowered society grounded in knowledge and science. He noted that innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development, shaping the future, and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. He stressed that adopting innovative thinking mechanisms and providing a nurturing environment for talent are fundamental pillars in building a prosperous future for students. He said, "Through the educational brainstorming workshop, the Authority contributed to shaping the "Future-Ready Skills Challenge" as a key theme, driven by our belief in its role in leading a qualitative transformation in the education system." He expressed his pride in cooperating with Sheraa and the Sharjah Education Academy to launch this challenge, which represents an effective model for the integration of roles between educational institutions in the emirate. Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, the Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed: "We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) through the 'Access Sharjah' Challenge by launching our unique challenge, 'Arabic Language in Early Childhood'. This collaboration demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering educational innovation and entrepreneurial solutions that restore the Arabic language as a vital component of children's lives, serving as a means of identity, culture, and belonging, rather than just a communication tool." She added: "At Sharjah Education Academy, we strive to reimagine the presence of the Arabic language in our children's lives by integrating it in fun and engaging ways into everyday learning activities. We are committed to empowering teachers, involving families, and designing stimulating learning environments that make Arabic a vibrant, meaningful experience rooted in belonging from the earliest years of a child's life. We hope this challenge inspires innovative ideas that strengthen Arabic language learning and deepen generational connections to it." Eligibility and program criteria ASC 2025 is open to global startups with a previous track record in working with corporate or government collaborations. Applicants must offer impact-driven, adaptable, and market-ready educational solutions aligned to the program's challenge statements. Startups should also demonstrate strong leadership, market traction with existing users, and a willingness to establish a local presence in Sharjah to scale their solutions regionally. From over 2,000 applications, 10 startups will be shortlisted through a rigorous two-stage selection process. The first, Criteria-Based Filtering, will assess alignment with challenge themes, market readiness, and scalability. The second, Interview-Based shortlisting, will evaluate the startup's fit for Sharjah's context, pilot readiness, and long-term potential. AED 500,000 prize and pathway to scale Following the selection of the top 10 startups, a dedicated 'Champions Training' program on August 20 will prepare implementation leads from partner organizations to effectively guide the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase. These champions will be trained in best practices for startup mentorship, PoC management, and adaptive troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and impactful collaboration throughout the program. Participants will then undergo a tailored 'Startup Readiness Sprint' on August 27–28, designed to ensure alignment with the challenge. The program will focus on technical fit, pitch refinement, and collaboration readiness, equipping startups with a deep understanding of the challenge statements, partner expectations, and local market dynamics. The Startup Readiness Sprint concludes with a pitch to a judging panel comprising of the implementation partners, industry experts and key stakeholders; two winning startups will receive an equity-free grant of AED 250,000 each to pilot their solutions across schools and early childhood development centers in Sharjah. The pilot phase, starting on 22nd September 2025, will provide real-world testing environments, continuous support, and potential for long-term partnerships and scale. The program culminates in a showcase of pilot results at Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on 14 – 15 February 2016, where winners will be announced.
Sharjah 24
25-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPEA opens partnerships for ‘Qum Lil Muallim' initiative
Invitation for public and private sector collaboration SPEA has extended an invitation to both governmental and private sector entities to actively contribute to supporting teachers by submitting applications to join the initiative. Those interested in participating or seeking further details about the eligibility criteria and conditions can reach out to the authority via email at The significance of teacher support His Excellency Ali Al Hosani, Director-General of SPEA, underscored the critical importance of supporting teachers and recognising their invaluable contributions. He stated: "Teachers form the foundation of the educational process, and 'Qum Lil Muallim' is a heartfelt message of gratitude and appreciation for their indispensable role in shaping future generations." He further elaborated on the initiative's objective of offering exclusive benefits, discounts, and services designed to empower teachers, enhance their skills, and elevate their expertise. The ultimate goal is to enable teachers to excel in their careers while fostering a high-quality educational environment across the Emirate of Sharjah. Al Hosani also emphasised: "By opening the door for partnerships, we aim to establish an expansive network of strategic allies who share our commitment to valuing, empowering, and supporting teachers. We are confident that this initiative will leave a lasting positive impact on the education sector and reinforce Sharjah's reputation as a leading educational hub." The initiative as part of Sharjah's education strategy The 'Qum Lil Muallim' initiative is aligned with SPEA's strategic framework for 2022–2024, which seeks to elevate the quality and efficiency of private education within the emirate. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that promotes creativity and innovation while reinforcing the significance of educators and recognising their indispensable efforts in shaping a knowledgeable and inventive generation. By forging strategic alliances with both public and private entities, the initiative provides educators with a range of benefits, including academic and healthcare services, in addition to privileges in entertainment, shopping, and various public services. Primary goals of the initiative The initiative is designed to achieve several key objectives, including: Strengthening the social and professional standing of educators. Enhancing their overall quality of life, both professionally and personally. Encouraging innovation and creative thinking within the educational workspace. Attracting top-tier professionals to the private education sector. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of education within the emirate. Establishing Sharjah as a premier educational centre that nurtures, supports, and provides an enriching environment for educators to thrive and excel.
