The past few days has seen a lot of
"negative" press about Emirati youth. For me it has culminated in an
article in the New York Times about Emirati males – and how they are falling
behind. Now, I know more Emirati male university students than about 98% of
ex-pats here, all those “experts” with MBAs (OK, I have an MBA, MBAs are good –
but an MBA makes a person an expert in
NOTHING) or PhDs in Chemistry or something – none have taught an Emirati male
in their lives. I have a Phd in the Strategy of Innovation – I am published in
the field. I have a chapter coming out about teaching Management in the GCC and
another in Innovation in the UAE – if you want an expert on education,
innovation and all that other good stuff look here! And I have a different view
of things…
Fine, mini-rant about the use of “experts”
to tell reporters what they want to hear is over.
I want you to look at this photo and tell
me what you see?
 |
| Raising money for the Red Cresent (and pretending to be Messi) |
Emirati boys, playing a video game – (yes
it was soccer/football). I bet you were thinking lazy bums, they can’t stay
away from video games. WRONG – well half wrong – they do like video games (like
young men AROUND THE WORLD). But this video game session, was six hours long,
was planned, organized, led and will be improved tomorrow (more game choices) by
a group of young Emirati men. It is a fundraiser for the Red Crescent (those
lazy boys were paying money to play). It is the first event a few of them have organized
– yes, they have not been challenged in high school – and they have done an
amazing job. Some details.
The plan for the event was sent a few weeks
ago, I thought the price they intended to charge was high – but I let them keep
it (of course I was right and they reduced their prices very quickly to market
demand after the games began). The ogt the set-up, borrowed the games and the
controllers from family, advertised through posters and ZU email, got all the
required permission (and believe me, that is a lot of steps) – and organized shifts
all day to get it done and get it done well.
They did not have experience running an
event like that – but they did a great job and will change a few things up and
do it all again tomorrow. Then write a report with photos, because I like
photos.
So – yes, they have not been given many
opportunities to shine – but once you do give them an opportunity they will
light up a whole city with their hard work, creativity and “get it done” ness.
Smile and courage, Dr. Connie (more events
on the way!)
