RIYADH: Gifted students in many schools across the Kingdom will once again have an opportunity to harness their creativity and exploit their talents through the King Abdul Aziz & His Companions Foundation for Giftedness & Creativity (Mawhiba) initiative.
Mawhiba, a national cultural foundation, supports the establishment and development of a creative environment and society for gifted students. Since 2008, the foundation has partnered with elementary schools through to universities to help mold young leaders of tomorrow. Last year, it saw an increase of 75 percent in student participation.
Mahmoud Al-Nagadi, secretary-general of Mawhiba, said in the last three years the initiative made significant inroads in providing a creative and educational environment for gifted students and offering scholarships to schools that nurture their talents with enriching curriculums and qualified teachers.
“We have witnessed a great development in the scientific and knowledge abilities and skills of our students,” said Al-Nagadi.
In 2009 there were 236 students in 16 schools in four cities of the Kingdom that partnered with Mawhiba. In 2012 there are 53 schools with 1,750 students in eight cities. “Last year we celebrated the graduation of 43 students from high school who went on to enroll in local and international universities. Some were nominated for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology,” he said.
Adel Al-Guaid, supervisor general of the partnership initiative, says schools that wish to be part of the initiative are chosen based on local and international standards. Teaching staff must also must be up to the standards. Al-Guaid said: “Mawhiba faces a real challenge in finding qualified teachers, especially in math and science."
Mawhiba’s goal is to enroll 2,500 male and female students in 2013 and 3,500 in 2014.
Mawhiba to help more students
