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British Orchard Nursery conferred CSR certificate by Emirates Red Crescent and Ministry of Social Affairs

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: British Orchard Nursery, UAE’s largest and first ISO certified nursery chain in the UAE strongly believes in social responsibility and is a part of many CSR (Corporate Social responsibility) activities. Recently the school has won the Total Quality Management award under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed, which is also in line with the nursery’s corporate philosophy on quality. BON believes in solidarity and human rights along with its many values of Respect and Integrity Equality and Diversity, Rights and Responsibilities, Structure and Innovation.
British Orchard Nursery participated in the EMIRATES RED CRESCENT venture with Ministry of Social Affairs for donating to the affected society in Syria. RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES provided logistic support for this trouble hit country in the most challenging circumstances through its Dubai based hub, which is part of the International Humanitarian City of Dubai greatly supported by UAE government.

BON’s family of teachers, children and parents contribute to society regularly and take part in various projects like supporting Emirates Environment Group, Walk the Distance, Protecting the environment, DUBAI CARES, Rashid Pediatric Center, Al Noor etc. BON has made an effort to reach out to parents and staff by collection of donations in provisions such as blankets, clothes, and candles for the victims in the Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. BON also supported those devastated by the storm through the “Fils for Food”, where the students learned the importance of community responsibility. BON follows the “Go Green” campaign by strongly believing in recycling, less use of paper, electricity and water consumption.

BON’s values are embodied in the philosophy of “Feeding children through education”. BON believes that “Education nurtures Education” and provides food, shelter and clothing annually to a child for every child’s fee it receives.

Ms. Vandana Gandhi – Founder and CEO of British Orchard Nursery receiving the certificate from Ministry of Social Affairs and Red Crescent – UAE, 

BON’s mission is “Sowing Seeds of Success”.  BON also has an objective of donating a fixed percentage of its revenues towards CSR activities. British Orchard Nursery takes pride in supporting various charitable organizations.

While receiving the certificate from Ministry of Social Affairs and Red Crescent – UAE, Ms. Vandana Gandhi – Founder and CEO of British Orchard Nursery, stated that BON will continue its participation and follow its objective of donating a percentage of its revenues towards charity for the under privileged ones.  She further expressed concern for the situation in SYRIA and specifically children of that region suffering far from any shelter, food and education.  Ms. Vandana Gandhi, expressing her gratitude towards EMIRATES RED CRESCENT said, “The work done by EMIRATES RED CRESCENT is commendable and we are proud to associate with the government and the great leaders of UAE who believe in community help, charity and support the society. We, living in the UAE respect the government’s vision and do our best to be socially responsible. 

About British Orchard Nursery:

British Orchard Nursery has pioneered the concept of corporate franchising by forming partnerships with many companies and government institutions in the UAE which includes Dubai Municipality, RTA, DEWA, Dubai Women’s College and ADCO. This is in line with British Orchard Nursery’s corporate philosophy to reach out and provide quality preschool education and day care facilities to children of Emirati working mothers to their door step. 

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H.E. Humaid Al Qatami visits Dubai Schools to Inspect on Examination Procedures and Facilities

UAE Minister of Education stresses on importance of preparing for the future of today’s students by instilling more awareness on excellence and creativity
UAE, June 16, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, Minister of the UAE Ministry of Education stressed on the importance of instilling today’s students with more awareness on the importance of excellence and creativity – key foundations in preparing them for their future – during his recent visit to various schools in Dubai to inspect examination procedures and facilities allotted for students. Minister Al Qatami pointed out the significance of implementing thorough examination procedures along with the development of efficient examination papers, which has greatly helped in the ministry’s objective of identifying learning levels of each student and the skills that they have acquired. The administered examinations are used as key index points in evaluating the education process and interaction of each student from a classroom level.

 H.E. Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, Minister of the UAE Ministry of Education  – visiting school.

Minister Al Qatami lauded the ministry’s various departments, educational zones and the administrative officials of schools for their efforts in providing students with rooms that are conducive to executing the examinations for students. Moreover, he urged the students to continue with the drive to achieve success and practice a culture of excellence—adhering to the set curriculum and training programs offered by the MoE. He also reminded students to use only accredited and recognized literary materials in studying, particularly in preparation for their examinations.

H.E. Humaid Al Qatami visits Dubai school

Minister Al Qatami was accompanied by Mouna Ahmed, Deputy Manager of the Dubai Educational Zone during his visit to schools in the emirate, which included the Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls, the Al Maaref High School for Boys and the Sukaina Bint Hussein School for Girls. The minister was given a briefing on exam procedures and how the three schools will be administering the examinations. The Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls will also serve as an examination venue for students of Al Alam Al Jadeed School, while Al Maaref High School for Boys will serve as the examination venue for students from Al Ahlia School and Al Thuraya School.

On hand to meet Minister Al Qatami during the inspection were, school principals Salama Bu Shibab, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls; Mohammed Al Mass, Al Maaref High School for Boys and Sharifa Azzam, Sukaina Bint Hussein School for Girls. The MoE minister noticed that the students taking the examinations this year looked more determined and performed comfortably when moving from one question to another. 
A total of 37,000 high school students took their Physics and History examinations for the third trimester on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Looking to inspire the students before the actual examinations, Minister Al Qatami talked about the future, including the scientific disciplines required for sustainable development and the importance of success and excellence. He further encouraged them to use their talents and capabilities and to work hard to achieve a better future for them and for their country as they contribute in its growth and prosperity.
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Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program wins World Summit Award in Geneva

Ministry of Education says feat is an unprecedented international achievement
UAE, June 11, 2014 – The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, which aims to launch ‘smart classes’ in public schools in line with UAE Vision 2021, has won a World Summit Award during the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, which is being held under the patronage of the UN International Telecommunication Union. The program won recently in the team work category of the Government Excellence Award.

The program’s success was highlighted in international reports of major technological institutions that were published earlier this year during the Education World Forum in London. Reports made by leading technology and software companies Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Samsung showed that it is the first program applied comprehensively in schools based on the evaluation system and international measuring indexes. They said the UAE is the only country among 11 advanced states in the world that considers ‘smart learning’ as part of its national vision and move towards economic development.
The Smart Learning Program is created by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in mid-April 2012. It is considered as one of the unprecedented programs of development in the region. The program was implemented by 14 schools last year and 123 schools this year in different educational zones. Its successful implementation had encouraged leading computer and software companies such as Samsung, HP and Microsoft to form strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Education. The project is implemented by The Ministry of Education and supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program is the future of UAE’s education sector. It has been recognized at the Education World Forum in London as highly valuable. All other countries in the world should follow this achievement and benefit from its approach and goals. The success of this program reflects the strong commitment of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the members of the Federal Supreme Council,” he said.
“After winning the Government Excellence Award, the program became an international success thanks to the ongoing efforts and hard work of all teams in terms of planning and implementation. The teams are composed of directors of educational zones, school principals, supervisors, and teachers. Both parents and students are also supporting the program’s main objective to position the UAE as the leading country in providing excellent modern education,” he added.
H.E. Al Qatami said the Ministry of Education appreciates the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s strong support as it provides telecommunications sector development fund. He noted that it plays a significant role in the education system.
The awarding ceremony of the World Summit Award was attended by H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim, Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, H.E. Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Telecommunications and Information Technology Fund, Hamad Al Mansouri, Deputy Director-General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority,
Mohammed Gheyath, Director General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, and Rashid Bin Lahej, Director General of Abu Dhabi systems and Information Center. 
Mohammed Gheyath said: “The success achieved by the program in a short time is inspiring. The program management, team, and all officials are determined to further improve the program by exerting all efforts to attain our goals. The program will be implemented based on high standard mechanisms to achieve all the objectives.” 
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UAE Minister of Education Calls on Private Schools to Exert more Effort in Promoting Local Values and Traditions

UAE, June 8, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, has called on the private schools across all levels to exert more efforts in the move to promote UAE’s values and traditions in their respective communities. Al Qutami stressed the need to inculcate and educate the students about local traditions by integrating these values into the administrative procedures and celebratory events such as graduation ceremonies.

H.E. Al Qatami added that the Ministry of Education recognizes the private education sector as the government’s strategic partner in this endeavor. At the same time, he underscored the need for the entire education sector, including schools, to comply with all learning assets, concepts and principles that promote UAE’s development, heritage, and rich culture. He said the existing systems and processes must not compromise the values that should be taught to the youth.
Further, he said the ministry, through its designated and specialized management, will closely monitor any deviation from the country’s traditions and violations of the rules and regulations governing the school communities. He said the ministry will not tolerate any violation and it will apply the law and implementing regulations as necessary. Meanwhile, the ministry also extended their congratulations to this year’s batch of graduating students.
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Participants from the Ministry of Education’s School Leadership Programme put Theory into Practice at Workshop

Dubai School Experiences Best Practice in Teacher Leadership
Dubai, UAE, 8 May 2014 – Educators engaged in the UAE Ministry of Education’s school leadership programme have heard from teacher professional development experts at an event held at Jumeriah English Speaking School (JESS). The participants of the School Leadership Programme (SLP) came from across the Emirates to witness international best practice in teacher leadership. The event provided SLP learners with an excellent example of how a high-performing school operates on a day to day level.
Participants also took part in a forum led by a number of education specialists, including representatives of the world’s largest learning company, Pearson.  Amanda Collins, Pearson’s Professional Development Director in the region, said the event provided a unique opportunity for programme participants to see first-hand how the theory they had learnt throughout the multi-dimensional school improvement programme could be applied in real-life classroom and administrative scenarios.
“A key focus of the School Leadership Programme, which is a joint initiative of Pearson and the UAE Government, is to provide a highly engaging and hands-on professional learning experience for the Emirates’ existing and future school leaders. Our research has shown that the most effective school leadership programmes are those that make practical learning a priority. In order to engage in critical inquiry and reflection, leaders need multiple opportunities to observe powerful, effective practice in action”.
A number of education specialists presented at the event, including Pearson’s Global Head of Direct Delivery, Steven Guttentag; JESS Director, Robert Stokoe; JESS Head Teacher, Ruth Burke; CEO of Taleem, Dr Samia Al Farra and CEO of the Indian High School, Dr Ashok Kumar.
Ms Collins said the event was a great opportunity to emphasise the importance of school leadership to the futures of learners currently in the UAE school system:
“A 2010 report by McKinsey and Company, and co-authored by Pearson’s Chief Education Strategist, Sir Michael Barber, found that good schools depend on good leaders. Capturing the Leadership Premium, which contained an international review of school leadership practices from some of the world’s leading education systems, found that aside from classroom practices which promote strong learner outcomes, nothing has a bigger impact on improving school standards than leadership. So if we are serious about improving learner outcomes in the UAE – which we are – we need to enhance leadership practice.”
The research contained in the Capturing the Leadership Premium drew on the resources of Britain’s National College for Leadership of Schools (NCLS), the organisation that has also been responsible for developing course resources for the MOE’s school leadership programme. Launched in 2013, the UAE School Leadership Programme, a flagship initiative of the UAE Government’s education reform agenda, will serve more than 700 Emirati educators, principals and administrators over the next five years.
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com.
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Pearson-Intel White Paper on Digital Learning Holds Lessons for UAE

  Report helps educators uncover the most effective ways to transform learning through technology
Dubai, UAE, 29 April 2014 – A new report from two of the world’s most respected learning organisations outlines how personalised, one-to-one learning environments can transform the educational outcomes of students in the Arab world.
Dr Michelle Selinger, co-author of the 2014 Intel-Pearson white paper, Realising the Potential of Every Learner: Advancing Toward Personalised One-to-One Learning, has visited the UAE where she has called on educators to embrace the learning opportunities presented by the latest technological innovations.
The research presented in the Intel-Pearson White Paper demonstrates the potential of personalised, one-to-one learning to help improve educational outcomes and prepare students and societies for success in a 21st century, global community. However, according to Dr Selinger, who is also CEO of Britain’s ConsultEdu, achieving such outcomes is not always simple or straight-forward, she says:
“Educators understand that technology-rich, personalised learning environments allow learners to develop the skills, knowledge and social capabilities necessary to participate in a future global workforce. However, the creation of such learning environments is fraught with challenges – leaving many educators wanting to utilise the latest and most effective digital solutions, but unsure about how or where to start”.
According to the Intel-Pearson report, a successful digital transformation in an educational environment relies on several factors, including:
  • Quality teacher professional development that gives teachers the skills they need to utilise the technology to the benefit of their students.
  • Planning and project management that ensures resources are allocated in the right place at the time.
  • Robust hardware and networking infrastructure and a strong deployment plan and schedule that allows for both infrastructure and devices to meet schools’ demand for services; and
  • Technology choices that are driven by educational requirements, including the need for reliable devices, strong data security and reliable internet access.
The report holds significance for the Gulf region, where spending on digital education initiatives is high by international standards. The UAE Government, for example, has committed to providing all kindergarten to year 12 state school learners with tablet devices and digital learning content by 2017 through the Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme.
Dr Selinger says that it will be largely left to teachers to ensure that this widespread deployment of digital technology in the region leads to an improvement in student outcomes. She says it is therefore of critical importance that teachers are given the training and support needed to create dynamic and engaging digital learning environments.
“The important question that we must ask ourselves as policy makers is how do we empower our teachers to move confidently from traditional learning models to innovative learning environments personalised to the needs of each and every student? A successful and well-supported professional development model can help to create teachers who inspire student learning, creativity and innovation. Such a model should also encourage school leaders to understand the implications of personalised learning and ensure the conditions for teachers to be empowered by technology in their teaching are in place. These factors will lie at the heart of successful transformations to digital learning environments both here in the GCC and right around the world”.
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com.
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American Curriculum Schools in Arab Region Adapt to New US Science Education Standards

Gulf Educators Embrace New American School Science Standards
   
Dubai, UAE, 28 April 2014 – Educators from American curriculum schools across the region have gathered in Dubai to learn how new standards governing science education in the US will impact on the learning outcomes of their students.
In April 2013, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were released in all American states, with the goal of providing students with an internationally benchmarked science education. The NGSS have had a profound impact in schools across the United States, which up until the release of the NGSS were governed by science specifications dictated by individual state education ministries.
American curriculum schools across the Arab world have been implementing the standards over recent months, a process which has been demanding at times for teachers and principals. The goal of the Dubai event, which was led by developers of the NGSS, was to provide these educators with professional development training designed to maximise the benefits of the NGSS and ensure schools undergo a smooth transition to the new curriculum.
The NGSS were designed to not only foster consistency across all American schools, but to ensure the American science curriculum is up-to-date with the most recent innovations and discoveries in the rapidly changing fields of science and technology. The standards were developed after concerns in the US that the science curriculum was failing to keep pace with the demands of a modern, globally-orientated workforce. Effective science education has been linked to America’s ability to foster an educated society and retain a competitive edge across a range of industries. A 2007 Carnegie Foundation Commission report that was an impetus for the reforms concluded that the country’s “capacity to innovate for economic growth and the ability for American workers to thrive in the modern workforce depend on a broad foundation of math and science”.
Participants at the Dubai event which was held at the American Collegiate school, were told of the important role science education would play in securing the long-term economic future of the Arab region. Karim Daoud, Managing Director of Pearson Middle East, a sponsor of the event said:
“A first rate science curriculum based on standards that are content rich and supported by excellent pedagogy, assessment and teacher training is critical to a country’s ability to perform competitively in the global market place. Access to a solid science education is necessary for a student who wants to study science at a university level or pursue a career in one of the many industries founded on scientific principles. A great deal of work opportunities in today’s fast-paced economy depend on a superior science education, making it crucial that we support strong science learning in our schools”.
Amanda Collins, the Director of Professional Development at Pearson Middle East, believes that providing quality teacher training opportunities is key to making certain the new standards are implemented effectively, and have a positive impact on the learning outcomes of students in American curriculum schools.
“Offering professional development to teachers working in American curriculum schools in the Gulf region will help them understand how to take full advantage of the NGSS in their classrooms and give their learners a firm understanding of key scientific principals and theories. The NGSS have been designed so that they are embedded with learning that promotes 21stcentury skills such as communication, critical thinking and team work – employability skills that are necessary for success in any career, regardless of industry or profession. This is why it is important that we give teachers tools to actively engage with the NGSS and provide an outstanding science education to their students”.
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world’s largest learning company, operating in more than 80 countries around the world, bringing powerful learning solutions to millions of learners every year. Pearson takes learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds.  Pearson can boast a comprehensive English Language offering that consists of engaging content and cutting edge testing solutions. To find out more, visit www.pearson.com.
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Second Edition of ‘School Olympics’ Sends Strong Message from Young Generation

UAE, April 14, 2014 – The first national qualifying rounds of the second edition of the School Olympics start today (Monday, April 14, 2014) and will extend until April 29, 2014. The final phase will be held next month at the Dubai Police Officers Club. Sports competitions for girls aged 13 to 14 are currently being staged at various educational zones as follows: archery at the Ajman Education Zone, shooting at the Al Dhaid Cultural & Sports Club, and fencing at ABN Model School.
Generation – Building
The School Olympics is considered one of the most important programs launched by the government in support of school activities that enhance the level of physical and technical skills of students.  This project  builds on the vision of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Olympic Games, to champion the essence of National Sports – the youth.
The holding of various sports and physical fitness activities across the entire country and the emphasis of their importance helps ensure the formation of a generation capable of representing the state in all regional and international competitions and proudly raising
the country’s flag on the winners’ podiums.
Desired Objectives
The Executive Office of the Olympics headed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aims to achieve the various objectives behind the establishment of the program, such as the selection of sporting talents and the full development of student abilities through the fostering of values upholding sporting and Olympic principles. The Office also wants to inculcate a love for fair competition, to identify and address challenges, and to promote and support the role of school sports in harnessing the full potential of youths. It is currently drawing greater awareness on the importance of adopting a culture of sports to maintain overall health and fitness.
Organization and Arrangement
The Team in charge of the Olympics continues to oversee the last phase of the event to ensure that the venues are in order and fully capable of hosting the finals. The deciding matches are opportunities for students from around the country to give their best and deliver excellent performances.
Commenting on the launch, Hassan Lootah, Director of Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and Head of the Educational Zones Committee handling the School Olympics, said: “The School Olympics is considered an important national athletic and cultural program that upholds the ideals of the Olympic movement and enhances national identity through the holding of competitions supported by sports federations and national teams. It builds a young base of promising athletes from which the national teams can recruit exceptional talents.”
“During this event’s second edition we will invest on the discovery of promising and talented young athletes engaged in various school-organized sports,” Lootah concluded.
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International Children’s Book Day Marks its Success at the Lost Chambers Aquarium – Atlantis the Palm

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 3rd, 2014 – In celebration of International Children’s Book day, Atlantis The Palm hosted a fun filled family event on April 2 at The Lost chambers. “Childhood is the ideal time to educate children about environmental issues and to broaden their understanding of the world.  Being able to read is imperative in helping broadening these horizons,” says Natasha Christie, Director of The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Few of the world’s top authors were present to recite their stories and interact with the children in various activities like face painting, arts and craft, music and educational Aquatheatre shows.

The special guests included- Emirati children’s author Maitha Al Khayyat, SalhaGabish, author of Dana’s Trip, Rashid Al Kous, General Director of Knowledge Without Border and Kathryn Cave, award winning children’s author.

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, UAE
Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region and located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 17 hectares of waterscape amusement at Aquaventure Waterpark, all within a 46 hectare site. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with over 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure features 18 million litres of fresh water used to power thrilling water slides, a 2.3 kilometer river ride with tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, was created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about one of nature’s most graceful mammals.  Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region with a collection of world-renowned restaurants including Nobu, Ronda Locatelli,La Brasseri and YUAN. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities. 
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Feigenbaum Leadership Excellence Award 2014 conferred on educationist Vandana Gandhi

 Dubai, UAE, March 31st, 2014 – Ms Vandana Gandhi, founder and CEO of Middle East’s only ISO certified nursery chain, British Orchard Nursery, placed a new dazzling feather in her cap of accomplishments by winning the Feigenbaum Leadership Excellence Award 2014 organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for her outstanding leadership skills.

She has been selected the winner in the “Women Leaders” category amongst many candidates by the International Jury of the “Feigenbaum Leadership Excellence Award (FLEA). The award supports the practice of long term thinking and sustainable performance, placing significant emphasis on quality and encouraging the drive for continuous improvement in the behavioral mindset that builds successions of effective and able leaders at all levels.
Vandana has won many prestigious awards, including the 2013 Emirates Women Award and ‘GR8! Women Awards-ME’ 2014. Gandhi is the first Indian lady who wins this prestigious national award and the first one winning in the educational sector of ME.
Ms Gandhi said “ I feel honored and humbled to have been recognized by the international and national jury as FLEA is great leadership award, coveted by many in the Middle East and Worldwide. My team at British Orchard Nurseries and I place great importance towards Quality childcare and Total Quality Management. I thank the UAE government for the unflinching support it offers in raising the quality bar. Each recognition I have received motivates me further to research and work hard for the children’s community of UAE which I am so passionate about. More importantly, I aspire to inspire my team of women and empower them to undertake further roles for the overall development of the women, society, education and the extended economy”.
The Feigenbaum Leadership Excellence Award established in honor of Dr. Armand Val Feigenbaum, known as the “Father of Total Quality Control” is dedicated to honor men and women in the Arab World for their exemplary leadership in driving their organizations to fulfill their role in business and society, for their uncompromising style to instigate a quality approach and culture to work and for acting as role model to all.
The Award comprises four Leadership categories: Exceptional Leaders, Accomplished Leaders, Women Leaders and Rising Stars. The award is administered by the Virtual Executive Club (VEC), at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University in Dubai.  Winners are recognized by International Gurus as exemplary Leaders, the award is represented by an engraved gold-plated medal revealing the winner category, accompanied by a certificate of recognition signed by Dr. Feigenbaum. Both serve as a way to further validate winners’ status within their respective profession, adding special emphasis to their particular achievements by recognizing the level of their success which impacts on the credibility of their organization.
“I feel really honored to be in the presence of  great achievers and exceptional leaders who have made remarkable and meaningful strides with a lot of confidence, determination and perseverance that have paved their way to success,” she said having received the award in the presence of celebrities, achievers and a plethora of stars from across the world.
She reiterated her passion about educational activities that inspired her to start  British Orchard Nursery, the only nursery chain in the Middle East with ISO: 9001-2008 Quality certification and a well-trusted centre of excellence in UAE for early years’ education with  branches across Dubai, Sharjah ,Abu Dhabi and in house Government nurseries with the aim to develop children’s social and imaginative skills in a safe and secure environment.
Gandhi also extended her sincere gratitude to the UAE government, colleagues and family for the constant support and cooperation that helped her achieve all the success.
About Vandana Gandhi
Ms. Vandana Gandhi is a versatile personality with varied interests in Calligraphy, Yoga, Scriptural Studies, Squash, Table Tennis etc, other than creating stimulating surroundings and interesting concepts for the young minds. A Masters in Education with distinction, she is currently perusing Doctorate of Education from University of Birmingham, U.K. Having done her schooling in Dubai, she completed her Bachelor’s degree from Mithibai College, Mumbai and thereafter took Post Graduate Diploma in International Business Administration from NMIMS University, Mumbai.
One could easily accolade Vandana, for bringing in a lot of new concepts and innovation to the idea of preschool education in UAE with innovations in the well researched curriculum linked to children’s development and assessments.
She Introduced and conceptualized first of its kind ‘GymJuniorz’, a child’s Gym and Fitness center, to be incorporated within the curriculum. She also introduced the idea of Preschool Corporate Franchising for Road Transport Agency (Government of UAE) and Dubai Water and Electricity Authority, to successfully run and operate a work place nursery for children of their women employees. She enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures and is committed to make a difference in the society by ensuring that the children at her nursery grow as competent and confident learners.
About British Orchard Nursery
British Orchard Nursery is the only nursery chain in the Middle East to be ISO: 9001-2008 Quality certified. Over the years it has become a well-trusted centre of excellence in UAE for early years’ education. It follows British National Early Years Curriculum, with the addition of structure and progression, whilst still adhering to OFSTED (The British regulatory body) guidelines.  With 14 branches across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, housing ‘GymJuniorz’, makes them UAE’s first nursery to have a children’s gym and fitness centre. The Nursery facilities include comprehensive creative spaces that offers role play to develop children’s social and imaginative skills; soft play; swimming pools; construction area where children recreate real life events and situations; a library, a water play area where they can develop understanding of challenging concepts in a ‘hands on capacity’; sand area to explore scientific and mathematical concepts; messy play or painting area to develop creativity; grass area etc. The school offers Arabic lessons, ballet, and gym lessons as well as computer classes.
For more details visit www.britishorchardnursery.com or call 800-PRE SCHOOL