Badiri’s Knowledge Exchange hub empowers UAE’s youth to tackle future

Sharjah’s Badiri Education and Development Academy’s initiative “Badiri Knowledge Exchange”, a virtual hub of collaborative learning launched in April has designed several online workshops, virtual panel discussions and webinars in June and July which empowers the future generation of the emirate to meet the dynamic changes expected in the future.

Badiri Education and Development Academy, an education and capacity building arm of the Nama Women Advancement Establishment, NAMA, will have discussions targeted at entrepreneurs, businesspersons, fresh graduates as well as university students interested in improving their skills for the future in a world where traditional skillsets alone will not satisfy.

The events which are open to both genders are Badiri’s latest initiative and follow up on the pioneering steps taken by the UAE to invest in its young generation with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the rapid challenges anticipated in the future and accomplish the core goals of its Vision 2021.

The hub’s June activities kicked off with an online workshop “Maharat min Google” on 8th June 2020, at which entrepreneurs, fresh graduates and students learned a range of digital skills, from how to develop a website and expand their social media presence to marketing a business, and preparing them for job opportunities or launch their businesses.

A virtual panel discussion to be held on 17th June, titled “Life after COVID-19: Future jobs and skills”, provided an overview of the jobs on-demand post the pandemic and the skillsets required. The session was kick-started by Dr. Mona Al Ali, Manager, Badiri Education and Development Academy Manager, and convened industry leaders from the education, medical, youth and economic sectors who will weigh in with their knowledge and expertise.

They included;

• Noura Al Noman, Director of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher’s Executive Office, Member of the Board of Trustees at Rubu’ Qarn
• Sultan Abdullah Bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department
• Dr. Adil Sajwani, Family Medicine Specialist at Ministry of Health and Prevention
• Dr. Shireen N. Chaya, Assistant Professor of Management at American University in the Emirates.

The session was moderated by Muhammad Almadhi, Programs Manager at Sharjah Capability Development – Tatweer.

At an online workshop on 24th and 25th June 2020, specialists will address how to handle emotional intelligence during periods of crisis and pandemics such as COVID-19. Targeting fresh graduates and early career professionals it will guide them on how to interact effectively, increase self-awareness and boost emotional intelligence. They will also learn to use their social and emotional competencies to effectively lead their teams.

The last activity of the month, on 29th June, will be a webinar on “Turning crisis into an opportunity”. Fresh graduates and early career professionals will be guided on how to emulate the mindset of successful entrepreneurs who turn difficulty into an advantage.

In July 2020, Badiri has proposed five virtual sessions, beginning with a panel discussion on 8th July titled “Industry and supply chain for thriving entrepreneurs”. New, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs, will learn about supply chain management. It will include an introduction to venturing into technology and innovation.

On 15th July, a panel discussion on “The future industries of Sharjah” will teach entrepreneurs, aspiring businesspersons as well as business students on the possibilities in the emirate; industries to focus on; the reason why many businesses fail; how to handle crises, and how to sustain competitiveness in a changing environment.

A two-day workshop on “Financial literacy and sustainability” on 21st July, imparts the basics of managing finances and investment and tips on how to save money to start a business.

Webinars on “AI applications and entrepreneurship” and “Understanding blockchain technology and its impact” will be held on 27th and 28th July, respectively.