Developing the next generation: Reach Junior launches in Dubai
Mentorship programme for school children aims to build skills for future success
20 October 2019, Dubai, UAE – Reach Junior, a non-profit mentoring programme dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders, has launched in Dubai. The initiative will be rolled out this academic year, offering school students a structured learning environment designed to enhance people skills and leadership qualities.
Launched by Arcadia Education in collaboration with Reach (a non-profit mentoring organisation), the programme will provide tailored group mentoring sessions for boys and girls from Year 7 to Year 13. The initial pilot will assign each group to two experienced Reach mentors from different generations for a one-year programme. The programme will also include soft skills training sessions delivered by professional coaches.
Reach Junior’s mission to empower children with essential soft skills, is in unison with the UAE government’s Vision 2021 - a policy that places significant emphasis on future skills to unlock the potential of UAE youth. In a global survey1 of employers, 40% claim a lack of skills is the main reason for entry-level job vacancies, while 60% believe new graduates are not adequately prepared for the world of work.
Founding Board Member of Reach Mentoring, Jumana Hannoud, commented: “We are delighted to launch Reach Junior alongside Arcadia Education. The mentorship programme addresses the skillsets that are often overlooked but are fundamental in navigating the global workplace. Reach Junior is a sustained programme that teaches the core values of leadership - confidence, courage, compassion - to create resilient adults and future leaders.”
In recent years, the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has shone a spotlight on future skills. According to the World Economic Forum, two-thirds of employees see their job changing significantly at least every five years because of technological advances, creating a need for acquisition of new skills such as communication, adaptability and effective teamwork.
With the first enrolment scheme due to begin this academic year, the Reach Junior mentorship programme will support and develop young teenagers through the various stages of high school to prepare them for tertiary education and equip them for their future careers.
About Reach Mentoring
Reach is a non-profit mentoring programme dedicated to helping young female professionals unlock their true potential through structured mentoring and professional support. Founded by four Dubai-based professional women, Reach is the first non-profit organisation to be registered at the DIFC. Mentors are experienced men and women willing to share their knowledge and expertise with their mentees, within strict rules of confidentiality, building trust and encouraging mutual respect. Mentors and mentees are paired through a specialised online platform, overseen by a professional and qualified coach, according to various criteria, such as communication styles, development objectives and personality traits.
About Arcadia Education
Arcadia Education is a K-12 British school operator headquartered in Dubai with an ethos that centers on nurturing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and athletes through a holistic approach to education.
Arcadia School is the first in a series of community-based schools delivering the vision of Mohan Valrani and the Al Shirawi Group. As the Chairman of the school, Valrani is an avid believer in providing the very best education for future generations.
For more information about Arcadia, visit www.arcadia.sch.ae.
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