It was one of those moments when everything was clear – I could feel the drive in me as soon as I read the editorial Emiratisation in education must succeed in The National. It accelerated as I read statements such as "The lack of male educators is acute in the UAE because of a perception that teaching is not an appropriate profession for men".
However, it was only when Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, director general of Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), announced the new slogan “Teach for the sake of the UAE” that everything became clear. My only thought at that time was that I need to do it.
I decided to write to Adec offering to teach in one of their schools and waited for their response, on the basis of which I would seek permission from my office to take unpaid leave for a period of time. I chose unpaid leave for two reasons. One, I have been blessed throughout my life with so much support from my government, my company, and our leaders that I wanted to give back. Two, because at this stage my energy comes from the impact that I can have on the community.
If you have read any of my previous columns in The National, you would have noticed that I write from my heart. I did the same when I wrote to Adec. It just felt like the right thing to do.
Another question I have been asked several times is this: “Why did you post a letter on Twitter?” Honestly, this was something I was nervous about given the cultural dynamics in the UAE. However, I knew that the power of any initiative is the energy that is created in the community, and today social media is the best platform to build and develop that energy.
My goal wasn’t simply to offer my services to Adec, but to convince every Emirati that it’s our duty to pass our knowledge and expertise down to the next generation. If my initiative inspires other Emiratis to take leave to teach, then a movement will begin. That will be more sustainable than just one man choosing to become a teacher.
My experience since posting the letter has been most exhilarating, as well as humbling. My role model, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, retweeted the letter and sent me a tweet of support which really put my mind and heart at ease.
Friends and members from all around have also been showing their support for me, while young people are asking how they can contribute. Dr Al Qubaisi has discussed her plan with me to take this initiative forward.
I feel excited and nervous about the road ahead, but I thank institutions such as Mubadala Development Company, Stanford University and The National for having given me the ability to use my skills, knowledge and creativity to meet such challenges.
I am now standing by ready to teach our youth and promote the movement. More importantly, I am eager to create success stories and champions like Dr Al Qubaisi who is a teacher herself.
This is only the beginning of what I truly hope will be a wonderful journey. The UAE has shown time and again that it’s possible to bring about positive change when we come together to make it happen. So let’s come together to teach for the sake of the UAE, and so that our children can lead lives of dignity and prosperity, just as we have.
Khalid Al Ameri is an Emirati social commentator
On Twitter: @KhalidAlAmeri
