Etisalat's corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, Ayaadi, has launched an Empowerment Programme that aims to support talented and disadvantaged students in continuing their education.

As part of the first batch of the programme, Ayaadi will sponsor 100 students’ education.

The press conference was attended by Etisalat’s CEO, Saleh Al Abdooli, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ayaadi and a number of the corporation’s top executives and representatives from educational entities and universities in the country.

Ayaadi’s program paves the way for high-caliber students from disadvantaged sections of the community to contribute to nation-building efforts and the UAE’s socio-economic growth.

Ali Al Ahmed, chief corporate communication officer, Etisalat, signed the agreements with UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University to select the first batch of students from these universities.

The programme was launched under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Sheikh Nahyan praised the launch of Ayaadi’s Empowerment Programme for its focus on the nation’s youth and its aim to develop their leadership abilities in line with the nation’s progress.

He highlighted that the UAE has become an excellent example of how a nation can be transformed to attain prosperity under the able direction of its wise leaders. He said that the UAE has many successful leaders at every level of the society who serve as role models for the future generations to learn from and innovate further.

Omar Al Huraiz, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ayaadi, said, “The Ayaadi Empowerment Programme has been launched to support and sponsor students with exceptional talent in continuing their education.”

“This programme aims to qualify the participating student with appropriate tools to play an active role in building the future of the country. Ayaadi’s Empowerment is a chance for limited income students to get financial support to continue their study. In addition, the students will be trained in Etisalat during their study, allowing them to gain real-life work experience.”

“The first batch of 100 students will be selected from UAE University, The Higher Colleges of Technology  (HCT) and Zayed University, while the following courses in the programme will open up for more students and colleges to enroll in,” added Al Huraiz. – TradeArabia News Service