The success of the Sports Leaders UK programme in the UAE has led to the founding of the GEMS Leadership Academy.
659 students qualified within six months of the programme being piloted with GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis in 2017, with a further 2500 forecast to be qualified by April of next year.
And now 12 schools are registered with GEMS Leadership Academy, with that number due to increase to 20 by January.
It is estimated that between 4000-5000 leaders will qualify per year from the 20 sites combined.
Richard Norman, CEO of Sports Leaders UK, said: “The introduction of Leadership Qualifications to pupils in the UAE has been hugely successful, and the future looks bright with plans in 2019 to develop the skills of over 2,500 young people across 20 sites to become qualified leaders.
“Sports Leaders UK currently work with partners in over 50 countries around the world and this partnership with GEMS marks a further step in our ambition to help as many young people as possible reach their potential.”
Sports Leaders UK courses strive to provide young people with the qualifications and skills to help them in both education and employment.
Motivation, self-esteem, communication, team work and confidence are amongst the tools developed across a wide range of subjects.
And Sports Leaders UK are excited to be able to offer the same opportunities in the UAE.
Michael Lowery, GEMS Leadership Academy co-ordinator and P.E. teacher at WSO, said: “Having worked closely with Sports Leaders UK as a teacher for ten years, I welcome the opportunity to grow this outstanding range of qualifications in the UAE.
“We now work closely with a range of schools and provide training, support and all necessary materials to develop an outstanding hub of leadership across the UAE.”
Kimaya Arora, an academy student, had positive things to say about her experience so far:
“All of these skills help us in many different situations inside and outside the academy and will benefit us in our future,” she said. “Being a sports leader has been an amazing experience.
“Learning new skills and communicating with many different people has taught my fellow sports leaders many competences that have influenced our work.”
If your school is interested in running sports leadership qualifications, then contact Michael Lowery at m.lowery_wso@gemsedu.com or alternatively call 0589 469871