Latest news with #GemsEducation
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
UAE school group unveils global expansion plan
Gems Education, one of the biggest educators in the UAE, has announced a new programme to export its expertise across eight international markets. The brand behind what has been called the UAE's most expensive school has unveiled its new division, Gems School Management (GSM), offering a "school in a box" solution tailored for K-12 institutions. The programme aims to provide a full service package that includes curriculum development, facilities planning, technology integration, staffing, training, safeguarding and operational systems. The framework supports multiple curricular options, including British, American, IB, Indian and national systems. Teacher-development plans, digital infrastructure, marketing strategies, and timetable templates, will also be included. This could enable the opening of new Gems-supported schools anywhere in the world within 12 months. After launch, GSM will continue to offer support in procurement and leveraging economies of scale. Exporting expertise "Our partners often have the vision, the site, and the capital," managing director of Gems School Management, Robert Tarn, said. "What they need is deep educational expertise. That's where GSM comes in. We've done the thinking, built the model, and can be ready to open a high-impact school – with the right team, systems and students – in as little as 12 months.' GSM is catering to governments, investors, developers, school groups and communities, positioning itself as an alternative to conventional school development. 'Every child deserves access to world-class education, no matter where they are," said Sunny Varkey, chairman and founder of Gems Education. "GSM is how we share our legacy, our expertise, and our belief in education's power to change lives with partners who share our vision. Together, we will build schools that shape not only futures, but nations.' The UAE group was founded in the 1960s by the grandparents of group chief executive Dino Varkey. "My grandparents arrived in Dubai in 1959," Mr Varkey recalled. "Just nine years later, in 1968, they opened our very first school in Dubai, laying the foundation."
The National
27-03-2025
- Business
- The National
Sunny Varkey and family donate Dh100 million to Fathers' Endowment campaign
Sunny Varkey, founder of Gems Education, and his family have donated Dh100 million to a fund launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to support people in need. The Fathers' Endowment campaign was created to provide "treatment and health care to the poor and needy". The campaign continues the UAE's long-standing tradition of generosity since the nation's founding, said Mr Varkey, who stressed its positive impact had reached communities worldwide. "I have been fortunate that I grew up in a family where charity was ingrained in us from a very early age," he said. "Since we moved to the UAE, my father made sure to share and engage with the community, supporting humanitarian initiatives and helping others. To this day, our underlying philosophy remains to prioritise giving. "We are proud to participate in this noble initiative and to belong to the UAE community, where generosity and support for the needy are deeply ingrained, especially during Ramadan. The overwhelming support for the Fathers' Endowment campaign, aiming to provide sustainable healthcare, is a testament to this commitment." The initiative, which coincides with Ramadan, was inspired by the role fathers play in society. People in the UAE have been encouraged to make donations in their fathers' names. It was announced earlier this month the campaign had already raised more than Dh3.3 billion – more than three times its initial target. The Fathers' Endowment campaign is the latest initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed to mark the holy month each year. The Mothers' Endowment campaign was introduced last year to mark Ramadan. It aimed to support the education of millions around the world raising at least Dh1 billion. It surpassed that goal, reaching more than Dh1.4 billion. Previous campaigns launched to mark Ramadan include the 10 Million Meals initiative of 2020, which secured more than 15.3 million meals for communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 100 Million Meals campaign was launched in 2021, collecting 220 million meals for vulnerable groups, while the 1 Billion Meals of 2022 achieved its goal in less than a month. In 2023, the 1 Billion Meals Endowment raised Dh1.075 billion. Updated: March 27, 2025, 5:16 PM
