As many as 12,118 students out of 65,000 were accepted as part of a national project to identify gifted students in the Kingdom.
A statement from the King Abdul Aziz and His Companions Foundation for the Gifted (Mawhiba) said the third phase of the national project has covered more than 12,000 promising students throughout the Kingdom. Nominated were made by teachers from various schools, including government, private and international schools in addition to Qur’an memorization schools.
According to project head Adel Qaeed, the nomination period, starting from the date of receiving the nominations from teachers in September 2012 through March, during which the candidates were tested for their talent and intelligence quotient.
The number of candidates for this year has reached 65,000 students, out of which 40,500 had to undergo the evaluation test for the intermediate grade in the first stage, followed by the primary stage. In the final analysis, 12,118 students were accepted. According to Qaeed, the application forms were distributed as part of Mawhiba’s initiative based on an elaborate system and specific criteria, including scholarships for students from top quality schools. This will entitle them to full support and care until they graduate from the stage of public education. They will also be enrolled for summer enrichment programs overseen by the Mawhiba, in addition to the 270 programs under the Ministry of Education.
The project aims to ensure the selection of gifted students on the basis of a comprehensive system. It makes use of scientific methodology and best educational practices in identifying high-caliber students in the areas of scientific, technical and creative fields.
Qaeed said the project seeks to create awareness in the community to identify talented people and the importance of exposing them to appropriate care programs.
“The national project will continue receiving nominations annually at the beginning of each academic year and will be announced through newspapers, websites and social networks,” Qaeed said.
Over 12,000 gifted students to benefit from national project
