HONOUR: Long-service award being presented to teacher Fortune Dunesinghe, right. RIGHT: Malik Qaiser Awan, centre, receives his award.
By Umer Nangiana
Acknowledging their contributions in the field of education and promotion of literature and art, The Next Generation (TNG) School recently honoured individual community members with ‘Education Awards.’ The school also recognised the services of its staff members who, over the years, have demonstrated unfaltering commitments to the cause of education.
Presented during the colourful Annual Day programme held at the Ain Khalid campus of the school recently, the awards were handed over to these notable individuals by Pakistan Embassy’s Cultural Attaché Rashid Nizam.
The First Education award was presented to Malik Qaiser Awan, the General Manager of Ezdan Shopping Malls. Awan has had a long and distinguished career as a senior management professional spanning over 24 years.
Starting his career with Procter&Gamble, Awan rose to the position of General Manager in a very short time, shouldering responsibility in the retail industry from mid to high-end segment leadership roles with leading retail chains across Asia, Middle East and North Africa.
Awan and his wife have been dedicatedly promoting education from the platform of Pakistan Welfare Forum (PWF), a non-profit welfare organisation working under the patronage of Pakistan Embassy in Doha, particularly for the socially and economically deprived people.
The TNG honoured Mohammed Atiq for his endless contributions towards promoting Urdu language and children’s education. Atiq joined Doha Bank in 1979 and continued his illustrious career with this establishment until 2006 when he retired as an adviser.
He has also been a member of the board of governors of Pakistan Education Center (PEC) and is currently chairman of popular Urdu forums Majlis-e-frogh e Urdu Adab, Aalami frogh-e-Urdu Adab and Shaiqeen-e-Fun.
Founder of Pak Shamma School, the first private school in Qatar, MA Shahid was presented an Education Award for his devotion to promoting education in the expatriate communities.
Shahid graduated from the University of Punjab Pakistan in 1967 and started his career at the National Bank of Punjab before moving to Qatar and serving at Alfardan Group of companies. His dedication towards education has earned him the title of “Messiah of Education.”
Anjum Imad, a former member of TNG staff, was honoured for her selfless contribution in designing and implementing the Islamic curriculum in the school. Imad has been extending her services to the community by teaching students and instilling Islamic values in them.
“The TNG School is known best for its commitment in delivering quality education for five years and I wish the school maintains the highest standards of education in future,” said Nizam, addressing the audience.
“We salute individuals who have made valuable contributions in the education sector and I specially thank the staff, teachers, parents and students of TNG school for their dedication and support,” he added.
The TNG School also presented long-service awards to the members of its staff who have served the institution for five years. Fahad Ismael Zainal, Chief administrator office at the Qatar Financial Centre, was invited on the stage to do the honours.
Huma Khan, co-ordinator of key stage I, was awarded the long-service award in recognition of her efforts rendered during the growing years of TNG. Samina Jahangir, senior Qur’an teacher, also bagged an award for teaching services in senior classes.
Fortune Dunesinghe, kindergarten teacher, was awarded for her exemplary teaching skills in disciplining the little tots with utmost love and care. She was awarded the long-service award for her excellent services in the kindergarten for five years.
Students present in the audience cheered every award for their teachers and peers.
The TNG School Director, Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, also presented an ancillary award to the school guard, known as “Babaji” by all the children of the school.
Another ancillary award was given to the children’s assistant “Pyari Begum” for her efforts in tending to the needs of the children.
“They are like family and by giving ancillary awards to our staff, we respect and recognise their commitment to the school,” said Bakali.
Anas Kaseem al-Onazi, Khalid Sayeed al-Sheaibi, and General Ali al-Sheaibi were presented with shields for their services towards community. Bakali also presented a shield to chief guest Rashid Nizam.
From colourful bright displays by the kindergarten to motivational short skits by the primary, TNG annual day was graced with beautiful and dramatic performances by the young talent of TNG.
“Our students have demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and public speaking skills on the stage. Such events build confidence in the students and prepare them for future challenges,” said Bakali, concluding the event.
