Petrus Bosa Layarda and Leah Reynolds, NYU Abu Dhabi
New York University Abu Dhabi students Leah Reynolds and Petrus Bosa Layarda joined the Al Qasimi Foundation for two months during the summer of 2013 as Research Interns.
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This study investigated how instructors in United Arab Emirates higher education institutions view their professional employment, the extent of their identification and engagement with their institution, and how their views are shaped by the national and institutional contexts in which they work. Journal Information
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The movement of many Arab countries toward knowledge-based economic development requires the transition to more effective skills formation systems. This paper proposes an institutionalist approach to national skills development systems in the advancement toward knowledge-based economic development.Full Publication
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Welcoming New Staff Members
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Susan Kippels & Jessica Andrews
The Al Qasimi Foundation was pleased to welcome two new staff members to its team in September. As the newest Research Associate, Susan Kippels lends her international experience to the Foundation while Jessica Andrews serves as an energetic Community Engagement and Outreach Associate. From different regions of the United States, the pair is excited to call Ras Al Khaimah home. |
To aid in the social, cultural, and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates through high-quality policy research, strategic capacity development, and purposeful community engagement.
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Greetings!
Welcome to the September edition of the Al Qasimi Foundation's quarterly newsletter. As students and teachers head back to school, we are pleased to share important moments in the Foundation's recent achievements, news, and events with those who have an interest in our work. We invite everyone in Ras Al Khaimah to join us for our upcoming Community Gathering, an evening with acoustic band Act of Congress on October 2nd, and to explore the many ways in which we are striving to engage and serve our emirate. Warm regards, Dr. Natasha Ridge Executive Director
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Community Engagement
Celebrating Ramadan with the Al Qasimi Foundation
To celebrate Ramadan and its emphasis on spiritual renewal, family, and sharing with others, the Al Qasimi Foundation hosted a community Iftar dinner and organized a Give Back event to reflect the voluntary sacrifice that Muslims make during the holy month. Full Story |
Capacity Development
RAK Prison Project Expands to Include Course Offerings
Building on the initial success of its library project in the Ras Al Khaimah prison, the Al Qasimi Foundation has expanded its prison initiative to include English language classes and life skill workshops. The new programming is designed to provide personal and professional development opportunities for prison officers and assist in rehabilitating inmates so they are prepared to re-join the community upon their release. Full Story |
Gulf Business (September 02, 2013)
Why The GCC Needs New Skills Formation Systems - Now
Wes Schwalje is the chief operating officer at Tahseen Consulting and author of the Al Qasimi Foundation's latest working paper: A Conceptual Model of National Skills Formation for Knowledge-based Economic Development in the Arab World. He writes that swift action must be taken to create sustainable jobs and develop the GCC region into a truly global knowledge economy. Full Story |
 Even as the United Arab Emirates puts impressive and effective measures in place in education to take its knowledge-based economy to higher levels, there is an occurrence that seems to be slowing down the pace - Emirati males at the senior secondary level choosing to drop out of school. Full Story |
The National (August 06, 2013)
Many overseas students find it tough to gain valid insight into the UAE's vast culture, history and geography, but an internship has allowed two NYU Abu Dhabi students to do just that. Leah Reynolds, 22, and Petrus Layarda, 21, have been working for Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research this summer. Full Story |
The National (July 14, 2013)
Summer school is opening new doors for Emirati pupils If the pupils cannot get to the class, bring the class to the pupils. It seems an obvious solution, and it is giving teenagers in remote villages in Ras Al Khaimah the chance of a university education. Full Story |
Free Spirit - RAK Free Trade Zone Magazine (July 01, 2013)
The opportunity to enjoy kayaking was recently presented to Ras Al Khaimah residents through "Kayaking for Everyone" - an event organized by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research in cooperation with Innovative Concepts & Solutions (ICONS). The event was part of the Al Qasimi Foundation's monthly Community Gatherings Series. Full Story |
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Upcoming Events & Deadlines
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RAK Fine Arts FestivalSeptember 22: Submissions Open for Fine Arts Festival
The Al Qasimi Foundation is pleased to invite film makers, artists, photographers, and designers to submit their original work for the 2nd Annual Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, tentatively scheduled February 20-22, 2014. The festival was established to bring the community together to celebrate art, create opportunities for cultural exchange, and support the creative and artistic sectors of the emirate. More Information
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Community Gatherings Series
October 2: A Musical Evening in Ras Al Khaimah with Act of Congress Acoustic Band
Join the Al Qasimi Foundation for an evening of music as it co-hosts the band Act of Congress for their public performance in Ras Al Khaimah. Hailing from the southern hills of Alabama (United States), the four member band is touring the UAE as part of the cultural outreach programming of the U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates. Calendar Link |
Research
October 3: Call for Papers for the 2014 Gulf Comparative Education Society Symposium
New scholars and established academics are encouraged to submit abstracts for the 2014 GCES Symposium, entitled "Locating the National in the International: Comparative Perspectives on Language, National Identity, Policy, and Educational Practice," which will be held in Dubai April 9-10, 2014. More Information
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Policy Majlis Series
October 8: An Urban Development Lab - Creating a Participatory Urban Design for Ras Al Khaimah
Positive urban environments can play a vital role in creating and maintaining healthy, well-functioning communities. This majlis conversation will share key findings from the RAK Urban Development Lab project and provide opportunities for participants to share their reactions, thoughts, and ideas. The event will be translated and accessible in both Arabic and English. Calendar Link
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Internship Opportunities
October 15: Application Deadline for Winter/Spring Internships
The Al Qasimi Foundation's internship program provides undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to apply their studies through practical research and special projects that make meaningful contributions to the Ras Al Khaimah community. More Information
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Community Gathering Series
October 30: Fashion for Everyone
Join the Al Qasimi Foundation for an evening with acclaimed Emirati fashion designer Eman Al Flamrzi and her sister Elham, co-owners of E&E. Eman will share her journey as a designer, and both designers will join guests in creating new styles with accessories from their own collection. This event will be in Arabic with partial English translations. Calendar Link
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