Latest news with #Marwa
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How learning coding helped this mom connect with her kids
A stay-at-home mother of three in the UAE, has taken a unique journey into the world of coding to better support her children's growing passion for robotics. What started as a way to connect more with her three children, who are between 10 and 15, has turned into something much bigger — teaching Marwa Mostafa new skills, sparking personal growth, and positively shaping both her work and home life. Her journey hasn't just transformed her, it's also empowered those around her. Notably, each year, on March 21, families across the Arab world come together to celebrate Mother's Day, a meaningful tradition. Ahead of this day, in a heartfelt conversation with Khaleej Times, Marwa opened up about her inspiring path of learning and growth. 'I've learned so much from coding, and it has truly transformed my life as both a coder and a mother of three,' said the 37-year-old Egyptian mother, reflecting on her journey. Her path into the world of coding began with a simple desire to support her children, who were enthusiastic about robotics. 'My journey into coding began because my kids have a passion for robotics, and I wanted to be involved in helping them explore that interest,' she added. Collaborative approach Her transformative experience took place at 42 Abu Dhabi, a coding academy that emphasises collaborative problem-solving and creative approaches to learning. Marwa, who originally has a degree in Business Administration added, 'During my time there, I learned how to collaborate with others, approach problems creatively, and solve them together. This experience has not only changed my perspective but also brought me closer to my kids.' The skills she acquired through coding played a pivotal role in her parenting. For example, when her children encounter new concepts in subjects like mathematics, the mother now applies a technique she learned from coding: breaking complex ideas down into smaller, manageable steps. 'When my kids learn something new in math, we break the lesson down into parts to make it easier to understand. Over time, this method has made everything smoother, and now it feels natural,' she added. Her children are not the only ones learning valuable lessons from her journey. 'At first, it was challenging, but as we went along, we became more comfortable and worked well together, helping each other,' she said. 'Watching me break down problems and solve them step by step gives my kids the confidence to face their own challenges and trust their abilities.' Learning to use technology comfortably Coding has also helped her children gain an important life skill — the ability to use technology confidently and logically. 'Through coding and digital tools, they're learning to use technology comfortably and think logically, which improves their schoolwork and problem-solving skills,' she noted. This hands-on approach has turned everyday learning into an adventure, inspiring her children to engage with tech and robotics projects at home. 'My coding journey has not only allowed me to learn new things but also helped my children in their education. They now see learning as an exciting adventure, which makes school feel more fun,' she said, with a sense of pride. 'When I work with technology, I show them how things work in the real world, which helps them understand subjects like math and science better.' Balancing act Recently, Marwa graduated from 42 Abu Dhabi after completing a year and a half-long capstone project, which she describes as an incredibly enriching experience. 'I finished my capstone project last week,' she said. 'It wasn't necessary to attend every day, but if you love coding, you naturally want to go as often as possible.' Her routine was demanding, balancing her duties as a mother and a coder. 'I would drop my kids off at school, then head straight to 42 Abu Dhabi. After my day there, I'd return home to work with my kids. Sometimes, I also worked on my projects after school or during vacations,' she explained. It was this combination of determination, collaboration, and passion that allowed her to maintain a fulfilling balance between her personal life and career aspirations. She hopes through her actions, she can prove to be a role model for her children. As she puts it, 'Ultimately, coding has given my children a unique advantage. They're learning important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy, all while seeing firsthand that learning can be fun and rewarding.'
Russia Today
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
‘Safari hunting Alawites': Relatives of those murdered in Syria's massacre speak out
In the early days of March 2025, Syria's coastal regions were engulfed in a wave of sectarian violence that have left an indelible mark on the nation's collective conscience. Predominantly targeting the Alawite minority, the atrocities have reignited fears of deepening sectarian divides and underscored the challenges facing Syria's path to stability. It all began on March 6, when armed men loyal to ousted President Bashar Al Assad launched an attack on Syrian state security forces in Latakia. The current President – Ahmed Al Sharaa – responded with force. Thousands of armed men engulfed the region and retaliatory attacks began. Their target was the Alawite community – a minority sect within Shiite Islam to which the Assads belong. Comprising some ten to thirteen percent of the entire Syrian population, the Alawites have traditionally lived in the coastal region: Tartus, Latakia and other cities and towns – and this is exactly where the gangs of Al Sharaa arrived on that fateful Friday. Reports indicate that over a span of 72 hours, more than 1,300 individuals were killed, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 830 civilians were among the dead, alongside 231 Syrian security force members and 250 Alawite militants. But the actual numbers could be much higher. RT has spoken to two people whose families are stranded in the area, and they paint a harrowing picture of the brutality inflicted upon the Alawite community. Marwa, whose name has been changed for security reasons, recounts what happened to her brothers: 'It all started on March 6, when we heard shooting and the authorities imposed a curfew. In the morning of March 7, we got in touch with all our family members on our WhatsApp family chat. My brother living in Latakia warned everyone not to leave their houses. And that was the last time we have heard from him'. Marwa says that after he stopped answering messages, they sent another brother – who lived nearby – to check on him. But when he reached his place, he discovered a dead body, with multiple bullets scattered on the ground. Out of grief and frustration, the brother went out to the street and started shouting at armed men he found in the neighborhood, accusing them of his sibling's death, a mistake that cost him his life. Marwa and her family didn't have a possibility to bury their dead. She said people were terrified to be associated with the Alawite sect, fearing for their lives. 'I have heard it from at least fifty people. Those gangs would knock on the door and ask residents whether they were Sunni or Alawite. The latter had no chance to survive'. But murder was not the only sin committed by 'Al Sharaa's gangs', Marwa claims. Apart from slaughtering entire families, they have also engaged in robbery; set cars, houses and businesses on fire, and left total destruction behind them. 'Hundreds of people from my surroundings were so terrified to stay at home that they opted to seek refuge in the forest or the mountains. Many of them spent their nights there, without food and water, with their only hope being to survive the ethnic cleansing,' she argues. Isabella, also not her real name, says that it was a 'safari hunting Alawites'. 'Some villages near Hmaymeim airport have lost all their men – young and old – who have been assassinated in cold blood. They killed children and women – no distinction – inside their homes, markets, fields and streets. Bodies have been seen everywhere – on the streets and the valleys'. Once the videos of the atrocities started surfacing, the international community responded with alarm. Multiple leaders issued a condemnation. Amnesty International called for swift action to protect civilians and prevent further unlawful killings. The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, urged prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations to address those grave violations. Al Sharaa needed to act, in order to preserve his legitimacy in the eyes of the international community which has just removed some sanctions on Syria. Shortly after the massacre erupted, the Al Sharaa administration announced the formation of an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the killings. Yasser Farhan, the committee's spokesperson, emphasized that 'no one is above the law' and pledged to arrest and prosecute those responsible. However, Marwa says she doesn't trust the committee that was formed by the government 'that was originally the sponsor of those factions and their atrocities'. And Isabella tends to agree. 'The gangs of Al Sharaa changed the clothes on some of those victims, dressing them up in uniforms to show the UN delegations and the Al Jazeera crews that they were fighting armed rebels. The bodies of others were buried to conceal evidence'. 'UN employees, who visited some of the villages were accompanied by Al Sharaa militants who chose where to take them, and who they could speak to. Before the arrival of the UN staff, villagers were offered packs of bread. Some were given money to change testimony, others threatened with torture and death if they dared to speak the truth'. The international community, says Isabella, is not interested in miring itself in the Syrian mud anymore – they have bigger fish to fry at the moment: the economic situation is becoming dire, the war with Russia is weakening them, and confrontation with the US doesn't help either. Syria and its people are not top of their priority list. And that means that the future of Syria is now in the hands of the Syrian people, and they will be the ones who will need to shape it. Steven Sahiounie, a Syrian-American journalist from Latakia, expressed deep concerns about the nation's future: 'I'm afraid of the future because these massacres made created a deep divide between the Syrian people and the 18 Syrian sects. Syrians went through this in the 80s and it took them about 20 years to heal. Then came the Arab Spring in 2011, and the gap has become much bigger, and now this massacre has happened – it is going to take decades until these wounds vanish, if at all'. Isabella echoed the sentiments, warning of long-term consequences: 'The scariest thing is that violence will continue for the next generations. Do you think those who lost their families will forget? They won't, these recent massacres will leave an indelible scar on the nation's psyche and that means that violence will not go away,' she summed up. Sahiounie says the situation in Latakia and the surrounding areas is calmer. Security forces have arrested several of the culprits featured in the massacre videos, shooting is not heard anymore, water and electricity supply has been resumed, food has become available. Authorities – pressured by the West, Turkey and Qatar – are taking measures to bring those responsible to justice. But many people, who have fled the area, fearing death, refuse to go back; and Isabella and Marwa doubt that trust will ever be restored.
Khaleej Times
08-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Women's Day 2025: 4 times UAE women made country proud
People all over the world celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 to honour the women in their lives. From the workplace to familial ties, women are doing it all, leading generations and sparking change across various fields. The theme for 2025 is 'accelerate action', which emphasises the need to take swift steps to achieve equality, and remove systemic barriers that women face. Here are four times UAE women have paved the way for others in their different fields, from engineers to athletes to photographers. What started as a way to gain acceptance from her family and community culminated in a historic achievement for this young Emirati. Marwa Al Mamari, the UAE's first aerospace engineer, joined the field "without realising" she was the first Emirati to pursue it. With a penchant for academic excellence, she initially expected to become a doctor, but later wanted to explore a new field, and "step out of her comfort zone." While her family was initially uncertain about her decision, they gave their blessing, and the young engineer also had the support of the country's leadership. "You don't have to live the same dream forever; you can start a new one, work toward it, and achieve it,' she stressed. As a mother, she stressed there is no single recipe for balancing family and career; it is simply a matter of trying again and again. After completing her studies, Marwa assumed a pivotal role at the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as a specialist in accident prevention and safety recommendations within the accident investigation sector. Marwa was recognised at the Emirati Women Achievers 2024 organised by startAD, a global accelerator based at NYU Abu Dhabi that guides startups in launching, developing, and scaling their businesses. Emirates' Equestrian Fatima Al Ameri, a 32-year-old Emirati, embodies the spirit of resilience as she takes control of her horse's reins. The athlete who faced bullying for her riding style almost gave up during her early training, but her passion overpowered her desire to leave, and she went on to be named "Emirates' Equestrian," capturing the hearts of many. Fatima went viral for her horseback salute to President Sheikh Mohamed during the UAE's 53rd National Day celebrations. She describes the ruler as her "father and master." Horse riding is not the only sport she embraces; camel racing is another field where she continues to break barriers. Fatima made history as the first Emirati woman to participate in an international event at Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Festival in Taif. She uses her voice to encourage young girls to participate in equestrian sports, and emphasises the importance of proper training. All-women esports team From young girls interested in gaming, these Emiratis went on to become competitive athletes who represented UAE on their global debut at World Esports Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2024. The country's first all-female esports team felt a "sense of responsibility" to do well for the country and pave the way for women in the field. Among the members of the UAE female team were Moza Khalid (25), Fatima Al Ansari (24), and Mariam Al Shamisi (34). The young athletes have the support of the women in their lives, like their mothers, friends, and sisters. The global debut was a "surreal feeling" where all the hard work paid off, the esports team members said. These women inspire young girls to work at it, no matter what their dream is, and "develop, grow, and achieve greatness.' First female nuclear safety inspector This 22-year-old initially did not fully understand the field of nuclear engineering; however, her passion for science and the country fuelled her determination to succeed. Meera Al Mheiri made history as the first Emirati woman to take on the role of nuclear safety inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). Her first site visit was "quite dramatic; I even fainted," the young scientist said. Having graduated as one of the top students from the nascent nuclear programme, she was determined to adapt her lifestyle to adapt to the intense physical demands of working on construction sites, especially in harsh conditions. Meera continues to volunteer and learn constantly, balancing her work with her hobbies. With her hunger for knowledge, she recognised the importance of observing the experts around her and learning as quickly as possible. 'I wasn't as intimidated as much as I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility,' she said.
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Serco Middle East celebrates International Women's Day with the graduation of Marwa Al Mansoori
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Serco proudly celebrated International Women's Day (8th March), by marking a milestone in its nationalisation journey—the graduation of Marwa Al Mansoori from its Graduate Programme. This achievement underscores Serco's commitment to developing national talent and empowering women to become future leaders in the UAE and beyond. As a forward-thinking business, Serco continues to prioritise gender diversity and the advancement of women within its workforce, with the statistics from 2024 to prove it, including: 50% of the executive leadership team being women Women hold 33% of critical roles 35% of Serco's divisional management team are women 49% of nationals in new roles are women As Serco continues to develop women and national talent, Marwa Al Mansoori's success is a testament to the company's commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Reflecting on her graduation, Marwa Al Mansoori, Health and Safety Assurance Officer at Serco Middle East, comments: 'This milestone is incredibly meaningful to me, not just as a personal achievement but as a reminder of how far I've come. Graduating from Serco's programme on International Women's Day makes this achievement even more special. It represents growth, resilience, and the power of opportunity, reinforcing that women can thrive in any industry. 'From the beginning, I was drawn to Serco's graduate programme because I wanted to work in a field where I could make a tangible impact—where my contributions would improve safety, quality, and efficiency. The programme provided me with hands-on experience, incredible mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges. It reinforced my desire to make a real impact, and Serco's programme provided the perfect platform. The experience has strengthened my leadership skills, broadened my perspective, and given me the confidence to take on greater responsibilities. By accelerating action, breaking barriers, and fostering an environment of opportunity, Serco remains dedicated to empowering women and driving meaningful change across the region. Commenting on this year's International Women's Day theme of 'Accelerate Action', Marwa had this to add: ' Women in the UAE are driving change by stepping into leadership roles, excelling in diverse industries, and challenging outdated stereotypes. They are not waiting for permission—they are creating opportunities, innovating, and proving their capabilities in fields like engineering, aviation, and public services. The support from the UAE government and private sector has also played a huge role in accelerating this progress.' Marwa's achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that education, mentorship, and equal opportunities have in shaping the future. As such, Serco's commitment to supporting women and national talent is empowering colleagues to contribute to the broader goal of creating a more inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking workforce. In doing so, Serco is not only building the leaders of tomorrow, but is also contributing to the region's vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future. 'Believe in your abilities and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,' concluded Marwa when reflecting on the advice she would give to other young women who are looking to pursue a career in the industry. 'Entering the workforce may seem challenging, but you bring unique strengths and perspectives that are needed. Seek mentors, ask questions, and never stop learning. Your voice and contributions are valuable, and with determination, you can make a real impact.'
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Witnesses recall horror of Sweden's worst school shooting
A student at the education centre in central Sweden has recalled how she and others tried to help one of the victims of what would turn out to be the worst school shooting ever to happen in Sweden. "A guy next to me was shot in the shoulder. He was bleeding a lot. When I looked behind me, I saw three people on the floor bleeding," Marwa, who only gave her first name, told TV4 Sweden. Eleven people died after Tuesday's attack at Risbergska school in Orebro, including the suspected gunman. Police say the number of those injured remains unclear. What is also not yet known is the motive for the attack, but police have said "everything indicates" that it was not ideological. Marwa said she and another friend tried to help the injured person by wrapping a shawl around the man's shoulder "so that he wouldn't bleed so much". "Everyone was so shocked." Teacher Lena Warenmark recalled hearing around 10 gunshots close to her study, telling Swedish public radio that she heard a few bangs in short succession, followed by a short pause, and then a few more. Ms Warenmark said she was confined to her study for over an hour. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the attack the "worst mass shooting in Swedish history" and said it was difficult to grasp the magnitude of what happened. Police said they heard reports of a shooting at an adult education centre in Orebro, 200km (124 miles) west of the capital city Stockholm, at 12:33 local time (11:44 GMT). The facility sits on a campus home to other schools. These centres are attended primarily by people who have not finished primary or secondary school. Police earlier warned the death toll could continue to rise as several people had been injured. Ali el Mokad, a relative of a man who is believed to have been studying at the school at the time of the attack, had positioned himself outside of a local hospital waiting to hear on his relatives' condition. "It doesn't feel very good actually," Mr Mokad told Reuters news agency. He said that his cousin also knew someone at the school, and when she called her friend earlier, "she fell to the ground because she was crying so much". "She thought what she saw was so terrible. She only saw people lying on the floor, injured and blood everywhere," Mr Mokad said, describing the scene his cousin's friend had witnessed. Such attacks are very rare in Sweden. While there have been school shootings in Sweden before, they have not been of this magnitude. Last September, there was a school shooting south of Stockholm, when a 15-year-old is suspected to have wounded a classmate - although that attack was linked to Sweden's problem of gang violence.
