Principals of eight Indian schools will attend a brainstorming session organized by Sign’s Jeddah Chapter at Seasons Restaurant here today to discuss its LEAD2020 program aimed at promoting academic excellence.

“Our aim is to empower Indian students and make them globally competent,” said Professor Ismail Maritheri of King Abdulaziz University and president of Sign.

The session aims at making a scenario analysis and briefing the principals about LEAD2020, its objectives and selection of students for the program, which has won the support of Al-Abeer Medical Group.

Maritheri, who is a well-known leadership trainer, hoped that the principals meet to be opened by Alungal Muhammad, CMD of Al-Abeer Group, would have a big impact on the Indian community.

“This is the first meeting of its kind aimed at enhancing academic excellence of Indian students in Jeddah,” said Maritheri said. “Since employers around the world are looking for competent candidates, we should make our children well-qualified by developing their skills and providing them with necessary support and training,” he added.

The principals who have agreed to participate in the meet are: Syed Masood Ahmed of IISJ, Humaira Naseem of DPS, Rahmathulla of Al- Wurood, Padma of Novel, Shanavas of Talal, Nikhat of Buds and Blossoms, Sathar of MIS and TH Darimi of Al-Noor.

Abdullatheef Parappurath will make a presentation on LEAD 2020. Salah Karadan, academic director, Dr. Muhammad Kavungal, Anas Parappil and Rasheed Varikkodan will also attend the event.

In the first phase, 80 talented students of Grades VI and VII will be picked for LEAD2020 after conducting special qualifying tests. Organizers will conduct a two-hour examination in English, mathematics, general knowledge and mental ability to select the best students.

In the final round of the selection process, potential candidates have to appear for a written test, group discussion and a personal interview. Selected students will be eligible for a 70-hour foundation course of international standard, civil service exam and all-India professional exam coaching courses, educational trips and leadership workshops.