The president of King Abdul Aziz University (KAU), Prof. Abdulrahman Al-Youbi, opened the English Language Institute (ELI) Exhibition and Interactive Event marking the 88th Saudi National Day on Sept. 25.
The president arrived at ELI accompanied by the KAU vice-presidents, deans, and officials. They were received by the ELI Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Bargi, ELI vice-deans, unit heads, faculty, and students.
The president cut a green ribbon to mark the exhibition’s official opening and then proceeded to take a guided tour.
Speaking in English, several ELI preparatory year program students, including Abdullah Al-Qurashi, Faisal Al-Harbi, Abdulrahman Natto, and Mohammad Al-Yami, gave details about the history of Saudi Arabia and quoted kings’ memorable quotes on education. They also spoke about the 13 administrative provinces, themes and goals of Vision 2030, and key KAU facts and details.
Later during an interactive event, Ahad Al-Ofy, an ELI language lecturer, highlighted ELI’s 40-year history, tracing its journey from being a small center, when it had no more than 500 students, to the present time with 18,000 students.
“Now we have grown to be one of the most distinguished and internationally recognized and accredited English language institutes, providing quality instruction to over 18,000 students who will take the lead in the nation’s future development, thanks to the unlimited support ELI receives from KAU,” he said.
Speaking on the behalf of his fellow teachers, Al-Ofy said: “Today, we celebrate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Day not as academics, administrators and learners, but rather as a close-knit family sharing joy and appreciation for the opportunities our nation has so readily provided for us, and for KAU and its leadership’s ongoing and unstinting support for our learning community.”
Representing the students, Al-Qurashi took pride in being part of a nation that “gives education such special care and that provides equal educational opportunities for all from highly qualified teachers.”
Al-Qurashi said the students appreciated the trust their nation places in them to study and work hard to shoulder the future responsibility of serving their country after graduation and contributing in the development of society.
He said: “We will always adhere to the advice and guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman who wisely counseled to: ‘use your time in gaining knowledge.’”
At the end of the interactive event, Ayman Fox, an ELI faculty member, said that because of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has a leading edge in terms of opportunities for its sons and daughters in the world right now, encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs, innovators, innovation and startups, encouraging education, encouraging sport, opening the country up to more visitors.
“I am not Saudi,” he said, “but, I believe that I still have a role to play in the future of this country. Everybody has a role in trying to accomplish the vision.”
He added: “Just as the country has trusted me to help educate the youth, I have to repay this trust by working toward this collective goal. And I’m sure this sentiment is shared by my expatriate colleagues.”
He expressed his belief that his role is to encourage his students to be ambitious in terms of their own personal visions to complement and be part of Vision 2030.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Al-Bargi thanked and appreciated Prof. Al-Youbi for honoring the occasion with his presence. He also thanked KAU Vice-President Prof. Abdullah Mohorjy and KAU Vice-President for Projects Prof. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi and the KAU deans and officials for their attendance and support. He also extended his thanks and appreciation to all ELI faculty, students, and staff for making the event a productive and successful one.
