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-Top News Education UAE News

Hamdan Launches Dh1.1B Scholarship Programme

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme allocated AED1.1 billion to support the higher education of meritorious Emirati school graduates…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has launched a scholarship programme to support outstanding Emirati graduates from public and private schools in Dubai.

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme allocated AED1.1 billion to support the higher education of meritorious Emirati school graduates. The programme, which will fund 100 students annually, will start accepting applications in April 2024 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students can apply through the DubaiNow platform powered by the Dubai Digital Authority using the ‘Emarati’ icon.

The selection criteria will be subject to the terms and conditions set by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The application window will be aligned with the announcement of high school results taking into account timeframes for different curricula.

The initiative comes as part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The programme’s objective is to support Dubai’s best-performing Emirati students by offering them higher education opportunities at leading academic institutions. The aim is to contribute to empowering Dubai’s human capital through diverse higher education platforms, thus helping prepare a futuristic workforce while ensuring that Dubai’s promising students receive the most advanced education and occupational training.

His Highness said: “Investing in Emiratis’ higher education and equipping our youth with knowledge is fundamental for building and sustaining a knowledgeable society. Dubai’s Government has an unwavering commitment to provide the resources needed to empower top achievers, nurturing them to become competent and influential future leaders armed with advanced skills to enrich sectors in the emirate and write new chapters in Dubai’s development journey. This initiative recognises students pursuing academic achievements and personal aspirations, helping them achieve their goals.”

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the important role of high-achieving and ambitious students in the Dubai Social Agenda 33’s mission, expressing confidence in their ability to shape Dubai’s future. His Highness has been recognising the top 25 high school students from Dubai for the past two academic years. Students accorded the recognition have been selected from among a diverse range of schools and curricula in Dubai, including the Ministry of Education, British and American curricula, as well the International Baccalaureate. The new programme will top up the scholarships already in place by offering 75 additional scholarships, benefiting 100 outstanding students annually.

Aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme contributes to achieving two main strategic objectives. It firstly aspires to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in terms of education quality globally by 2033. The strategically designed programme will contribute significantly to Dubai’s future knowledge-based economy by cultivating exceptional future leaders driving innovation across a range of sectors.

Additionally, the programme is designed to provide students scholarships to prestigious international universities for specialised studies that are compatible with the needs of Dubai’s economy. This makes the scholarships aligned with the priorities of future development across various sectors. It consequently boosts the economic participation of citizens and supports fulfilment of targets of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which is to increase the number of citizens working in the private sector to thrice the current number.

Combining financial support with a strategic vision, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme seeks to nurture talents, celebrate innovators, and cultivate exceptional leaders. This initiative marks a significant step towards building students’ leadership skills while further enhancing the knowledge ecosystem in Dubai at the same time as fostering innovation, stimulating creativity, and creating opportunities for progress.

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-Top News Canada Education

Canada Eyes Reduction in Foreign Students

The cut in study visas will likely come later this year….reports Asian Lite News

Canada is set to reduce the number of international students coming to the country for post-secondary education.

The cut in study visas will likely come later this year.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Canada issued a record 579,075 study visas in 2023. As a result, the number of international students jumped from 617,250 in 2021 to over 900,000 in 2023.

Public opinion has blamed high immigration levels and international students for housing affordability problems in the urban areas of the country.

As per media reports, the Canadian government plans to reduce study visas to sustainable levels.

Currently, educational institutions in various Canadian provinces are free to admit any number of international students.

But now, the federal government plans to decide the number of study visas to be issued to international students and allot a certain quota to each province.

Though there has been a huge drop of over 80 per cent in study visas for Indian students this year, the cut in the numbers will impact Indian students the most.

There are over 340,000 Indian students in Canada.

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-Top News Canada Education

60K+ International Students Make Canada Home

The nation opened its doors to immigrants to replace aging workers and fill labour gaps, but the boom in numbers has put a strain on the country’s resources….reports Asian Lite News

Even as Canada considers capping the arrival of international students amid growing housing crisis, 62,410 of them became permanent residents of the country in 2023, according to the country’s immigration data.

This number represented an increase of 9,670 from the 52,740 international graduates who became international students in 2022, a November 2023 Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data said.

Much of Canada’s population growth — now one of the fastest in the world — comes from foreign students, non-permanent residents, and temporary foreign workers, according to immigration experts.

The nation opened its doors to immigrants to replace aging workers and fill labour gaps, but the boom in numbers has put a strain on the country’s resources.

Last week, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said he will closely analyse the number of international students and temporary residents entering into the country with the government facing backlash over housing affordability and rising cost of living.

The minister said he is mulling over options, which include reforming permits and capping intake of non-permanent residents.

Meanwhile, Montreal-based Desjardins Securities warned that closing doors to temporary workers and foreign students allowed into Canada would blunt the country’s economic recovery and deepen recession.

According to predictions by the capital market company, the country’s real GDP would drop by 0.7 per cent in 2024 and grow an average of 1.78 per cent annually over the following four years.

There are many pathways available to international students who want to transition to Canadian permanent residence, and the fastest among them is the Express Entry Program. International students form the biggest cohort opting for permanent residency in Canada every year with Indians grabbing the lion’s share.

The number of permits given to Indian students declined by four per cent last year due to a diplomatic row between the two nations, but they remained the largest group, according to Miller.

There are approximately 330,000 new immigrants and students from India living in Canada as of 2023.

ALSO READ: Canada Sees Steep Decline in Indian Student Visas

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Education India News Politics

English and Math Hurdles: ASER 2023 Distressing Reality

The report notes that 25% of the 14-18 age group cannot fluently read a class 2 level text in their regional language….reports Asian Lite News

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, titled ‘Beyond Basics,’ paints a concerning picture of education in rural India. The survey, conducted in 28 districts across 26 states, involved 34,745 youths in the age group of 14-18 years. The findings revealed significant challenges in foundational skills, particularly in reading and arithmetic.

In rural India, 42% of children aged 14 to 18 cannot read simple English sentences, and more than half struggle with basic division problems. The study focused on one rural district in each major state, with the exception of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where two districts were surveyed. These alarming statistics highlight a substantial gap in educational attainment among the surveyed youths.

The report notes that 25% of the 14-18 age group cannot fluently read a class 2 level text in their regional language. Additionally, over half of these youths face difficulties with division problems typically expected to be mastered in classes 3 and 4. Only 43.3% can perform such problems correctly. English proficiency is also a concern, with only 57.3% able to read sentences, and of those, 73.5% can comprehend their meanings.

Interestingly, across enrollment categories, females outperform males in reading a Class 2 level text in their regional language, while males fare better in arithmetic and English reading. The report emphasizes the need for catch-up efforts in foundational literacy and numeracy for a significant portion of the 14-18 age group.

The survey delves into practical skills as well. Approximately 45% of the students can calculate the number of hours a child has slept based on bedtime and wake-up time. However, challenges arise when applying these skills to real-world scenarios, such as measuring an object’s length with a ruler. While 85% can calculate correctly if the object is at the ‘0’ mark, less than 40% can do so when the object is moved.

The report underscores the impact of low foundational numeracy on daily tasks that require practical application of measurement, the unitary method, and financial computations. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is acknowledged for recognizing the need for ‘catch up’ programs for those who have fallen behind academically.

ASER, a citizen-led household survey initiated in 2005, provides crucial insights into the state of children’s schooling and learning in rural India

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Education Lite Blogs

Indian Students Pursue Global Education in Record Numbers

How International Education Helps Indian Students? International education offers a range of benefits to Indian students, impacting their development as the trend of pursuing international studies grows annually…reports Asian Lite News

The global trend of pursuing international studies continues to grow annually, fueled by a rising number of students. The number of Indian students enrolled in studies abroad is expected to climb from roughly 1 million as of 2019 to as many as 2 million by 2025, according to an analysis of Indian student mobility produced by University Living, Beyond Beds and Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report 2023, indicating a substantial rise in the inclination of Indian students towards pursuing education on a global scale.

Further in 2022, India witnessed the highest-ever emigration of students, with Australia, UK, and the United States emerging as the preferred destinations for Indian students during this period. The United Kingdom issued 500,000 study visas until June 2023, with Indian students comprising 30%. The 143,000 visas granted to Indian students marked a 54% YoY increase, solidifying India as the leading sender to the UK. Meanwhile, Australia’s international education sector observed a 34% surge in Indian student enrollment from January to August 2023. And now constitute 17% of all international students in Australia, ranking second after China.

How International Education Helps Indian Students? International education offers a range of benefits to Indian students, impacting their development as the trend of pursuing international studies grows annually. Anuj Gupta, CEO of YounGrads , an online student recruitment platform, breaks it down : Academic growth: Studying abroad offers specialized field options providing a diverse range of courses for students to pursue niche interests. Exposure to varied teaching methods enhances critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, international universities emphasize research, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects, collaborate with renowned professors, and gain valuable academic experience. Professional development: A foreign degree enhances employability, benefiting individuals in both domestic and international job markets. Employers appreciate the global perspective, intercultural skills, and adaptability acquired during foreign studies. Moreover, studying abroad connects individuals to a valuable network of professionals, peers, and diverse alumni, creating opportunities for career advancement, internships, and mentorship. This experience also refines essential skills like leadership, communication, independence, and resourcefulness, qualities highly valued in achieving long-term career success.

Personal growth: Studying abroad offers a cultural immersion that exposes students to diverse traditions and lifestyles, fostering adaptability and understanding. This experience shapes individuals into well-rounded beings. Living independently away from home cultivates self-reliance, financial management skills, and decision-making abilities, fostering confidence, resilience, and adaptability. The challenges and experiences of studying abroad contribute to significant personal development, nurturing a stronger sense of identity, self-awareness, and a broader global perspective.

Anuj Gupta further adds, “International education goes beyond a trend; it presents a profound and transformative experience, propelling students towards their future goals. Invaluable tools for advancement, specialized courses and programs offered by international universities empower students. And to make the most of these opportunities, a comprehensive understanding of overseas education is crucial, and professional guidance becomes instrumental in steering students towards success.” Embarking on an international education journey offers rewards for Indian students, however it comes with its share of challenges. Academic obstacles encompass adapting to new environments, language proficiency, and demanding coursework. Financial considerations involve higher fees, living costs, and currency rates. Cultural adjustments include overcoming culture shock, communication barriers, and building a social network. Personally, dealing with homesickness, stress, and mental health differences may arise. Additional factors such as visa processes, safety concerns, and healthcare access must be navigated. Despite these challenges, ample resources and support platforms exist to help students navigate their path toward their international study goals. Thorough research, planning, and a positive mindset can ensure a successful international education journey, fostering personal, professional and academic growth.

ALSO READ-Indian Students Pursue Global Education in Record Numbers

Categories
-Top News Canada Education

Canada Plans Cap on International Students Amid Housing Crisis

The government didn’t specify the extent of reduction the government is planning on making in the immigration system.

Amid the growing unemployment and housing crisis in Canada, Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Saturday said in the next few months, he will be looking at the possibility of putting a cap on the number of international students living in the country, CTV News reported on Saturday.

The minister didn’t specify the extent of reduction the government is planning on making in the immigration system.

In an interview to CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos, the minister said, “This is a conversation the federal government will need to have with provincial governments “to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis.”

“That volume is disconcerting,” Miller said, with reference to the number of international students in Canada.

“It’s really a system that has gotten out of control,” he added.

Miller said he will be looking at the possibility of setting a cap on international students to help reduce the demand for housing in both the first and second quarters of this year.

Asked why his government is only considering a cap now when the idea was floated months ago, Miller said there’s a need to sort out numbers on a federal level before looking with “a little more granularity” at what individual academic institutions are doing in different provinces, possibly profiting off bringing in more international students, CTV News reported.

“We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we’re actually verifying offer letters,” Miller said, adding, “And now it’s time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that is having in certain areas.”

A cap on international students would not be a “one-size-fits-all solution” to housing shortages across Canada, Miller noted.

On the number of international students coming to Canada, far outpacing the number of homes the federal government is planning to help build, Miller also said housing is only part of the calculation when it comes to immigration targets. The pressing need to bring down the average age of the workforce also needs to be taken into consideration, he said.

While not going into specifics, Miller said a cap on international students is something the federal government is considering, “and will continue to consider.”

“We have a sense of what those numbers would look like, what the reduction of those numbers look like, out of courtesy to my colleagues in the provinces, those are discussions that we’re first going to have around the negotiating table,” he said, adding that the financial needs of academic institutions is also a factor.

The federal government has faced criticism for welcoming an increasing number of immigrants–both permanent and temporary residents–while the country faces an acute housing shortage.

Meanwhile, CTV reported citing The Canadian Press, which cited the internal documents obtained through an access to information request, the federal government was warned by public servants two years ago that its ambitious immigration targets could jeopardise housing affordability.

The Liberals have set targets aiming to bring in 485,000 immigrants this year, and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026.

Temporary residents, largely comprising international students and migrant workers, are another part of the equation, with more than 300,000 of them arriving in Canada in just the third quarter of last year. (ANI)

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Education India News Karnataka

Faizal & Shabana Foundation, BBMP Join Hands for Bangalore Education Project

Faizal and Shabana Foundation, known for their commitment to social causes and educational advancements, expressed their excitement about this transformative partnership…reports Asian Lite News

The Faizal and Shabana Foundation have teamed up with the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for the ambitious Bangalore Education Project. This unique initiative is set to revolutionize the landscape of BBMP Government School in Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore, by implementing a comprehensive intervention model that goes beyond traditional education.

Taking inspiration from the highly successful PRISM Nadakkavu school model in Kerala, the project’s primary goal is to elevate the standard of education while simultaneously fostering creativity and community development. The collaboration aims to create a holistic educational environment that not only benefits students but also positively impacts the surrounding community.

Faizal and Shabana Foundation, known for their commitment to social causes and educational advancements, expressed their excitement about this transformative partnership. The mission is clear – to build a model school that serves as a beacon for overall student development and community upliftment.

The initiative promises to be a game-changer, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on shaping future leaders and fostering a sense of responsibility within the community. Joining hands on this journey means contributing to the creation of a unique educational ecosystem that prioritizes the holistic development of both students and the local community.

As Faizal and Shabana Foundation embark on this noteworthy venture with BBMP, the call goes out to the community, stakeholders, and well-wishers to actively participate in building a brighter future through education. Together, they aim to set new standards in educational excellence and community engagement.

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Asia News Education India News

Andhra Pradesh Government Offers Free Insurance to Overseas Students

The students are requested to utilise the opportunity and enrol in the scheme at the earliest…reports Asian Lite News

The Andhra Pradesh government is now providing an opportunity for overseas students from the state to enrol in the Pravasandhra Bharosa Bima (PBB) insurance scheme for free until January 15, 2024, according to a statement issued by the government.

Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), an entity of the Andhra Pradesh government functioning under Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, offers various services to overseas citizens of the state (NRTs) across various countries. The Pravasandhra Bharosa Bima (PBB) Insurance Scheme is one such welfare service for NRTs studying and working abroad.

The students are requested to utilise the opportunity and enrol in the scheme at the earliest (student premium normally is Rs. 180 for one year) and there is a high possibility of an increase in PBB premium and benefits that could decrease.

Venkat S Medapti, President of APNRTS, said that family members invest a fortune in their children’s overseas education with dreams of a bright future. He emphasised the importance of the PBB insurance scheme, noting that, if a student unfortunately falls victim to unforeseen situations while abroad, up to Rs. 10 lakhs of life insurance are provided.

He urged students studying abroad or their families to enrol in this scheme as soon as possible, highlighting that PBB enrollment would ensure financial assistance to families in case of unexpected fatalities.

Benefits of the PBB insurance scheme: Rs. 10 lakh financial assistance in case of accidental death or permanent disability; medical expenses for injuries or sickness of up to Rs. 1 lakh; a one-way economy air ticket in case of non-continuation of studies due to sickness or accident; and other benefits. (ANI)

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Education India News Politics

MPhil Not a Recognised Degree, UGC Cautions Students

Professor Kumar said that Rule 14 of the above notification states that the MPhil programme started before the notification of PhD rules will not be affected….reports Asian Lite News

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notification warning that students should not enrol in MPhil Degree courses being offered by universities as they are no longer recognised.

The notification comes as the UGC had earlier directed all higher educational institutions not to offer MPhil programmes and some universities are continuing with it, despite the instructions issued by the commission.

“It has come to the notice of the UGC that a few Universities are inviting fresh applications for M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy) program. In this regard, it is to bring to the notice that the M.Phil. degree is not a recognized degree. The Regulation No. 14 of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2022 clearly states that Higher Educational Institutions shall not offer M.Phil. program,” the UGC said in its notice.

“In this regard, it is informed that the UGC has framed the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations,2022 which has been published in the Gazette of India on November 7, 2022,” the Commission added.

UGC Chairman Professor M Jagadish Kumar said, “The UGC has asked universities to take immediate steps to stop admissions for the 2024-25 session. However, this will not affect students already doing MPhil.”

On questions being raised on validity of MPhil Degree for existing students, the UGC Chairman said that higher education institutions can award only the degrees specified by the commission. The UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations were notified on November 7, 2022.

Professor Kumar said that Rule 14 of the above notification states that the MPhil programme started before the notification of PhD rules will not be affected.

As per the rule, the students who took admission before the notification was issued, will be allowed to complete the programme and would be given the MPhil Degree. But it also clearly states that after the notification of the above rules, no higher educational institution across the country can offer MPhil programmes.

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Education Lite Blogs

Rising Above Challenges to Achieve Dream Job

All of them have chosen different programs of Lotus Petal Foundation. Our alumni are our pride. We have a special bond with all of them and share an encouraging journey that we have travelled together…reports Asian Lite News

In the face of adversity, marginalisaed students are emerging as catalysts for positive change within their communities. Through tireless efforts and a commitment to inclusivity, they are reshaping narratives, bridging divides, and championing causes that uplift the underprivileged.

Led by resilient spirit and unwavering determination, these students, hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds, united to create a platform for change.

Despite personal struggles and systemic hurdles, these students became beacons of hope, channelling their own experiences into empathy-driven actions.

Shilpi Jaiswal

Coming from a lower-middle-class family where her father is a driver and her mother a homemaker, Shilpi grew up with 5 siblings in a household run by her father, the sole bread earner. She completed her class 12th and was looking for courses that could give an edge to her career. She joined the Jeevika Skill Development Program when her elder sister’s friend informed her about the program focused on BFSI which was an ESSAI-certified course and the fact that the program offered a 100% job guarantee intrigued her interest. Currently, Shilpi is excelling in her first job as a Donor Servicing Trainee at the Lotus Petal Foundation, with her ace MS Excel skills, while also pursuing her graduation in B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University.

Saloni Raj

Saloni’s childhood was not the usual one. Coming from a broken family her mother, a house-help had to run away from the house with her children to save them from her abusive husband. After a life of struggles on the streets, Saloni joined the Lotus Petal Foundation when she was 14 years old in 2013. With low learning levels, her relationship with education even at the age of 14 was similar to a younger child. However, by 2014, with a customized curriculum catering to her fractured learning, Saloni’s journey to quality education started picking up and by 2018, her results significantly improved. In 2019, by the age of 20, Saloni had cleared the National Medical Entrance Examination (NEET) paving her way to kick-start her medical studies. Currently, she is in the last year of her course and soon she shall become a Doctor.

Gudiya Kumari

With her father running a small food stall and her mother being a tailor, Gudiya grew up in a difficult household. Growing up with 5 siblings, she knew from an early age that she would have to work harder for her dreams of becoming an air hostess. However, life and its challenges had other plans. Gudiya joined as a 1st-year student of the Pratishthan Learning Center- A unique Fast-Track Education Program through which out-of-school teenagers with fractured learning can complete their education in a 5-year-based learning program. She also underwent vocational hospitality training, giving her well-rounded training, enabling her to ace job interviews and finally get her first job as Executive- Software Testing at Unify Dots.

Hritik Sethi

Hailing from a middle-class family, the son of a tailor & a homemaker, he wanted to pursue a course after high school that would give him an edge which is why he enrolled himself in the computer hardware and networking course under the Jeevika Skill Development Program. After rigorous training with both practical and theoretical knowledge along with exposure to industrial training, he was able to grasp the concepts fundamentally giving him a confident grasp on his subjects. Today he is successfully working at his new job while pursuing his graduation from IGNOU. Hritik Sethi is an alumnus of the Computer Hardware & Networking course under the program run by the Lotus Petal Foundation and successfully got his first job in Teleperformance as a Technical Support Engineer. Hritik has bagged the highest package per annum from the Jeevika graduates.

Rahul Saini

Rahul Saini is working as a Technical Engineer with MegaMax. He is an alumnus of the Computer Hardware and Networking course under the same program. He lost his father at an early age and was supported by his mother. Before joining this course, he had already completed his Polytechnic course however, when he got to know about the Jeevika Program’s industry-mapped courses which are ESSAI certified and offer 100% job placement with affordable tuition fees, Rahul became intrigued about the program and enrolled himself in 6 months certification course. Today, he is well-placed in his new job where he is learning the ropes of the professional world while impressing everyone with his computer skills.

All of them have chosen different programs of Lotus Petal Foundation. Our alumni are our pride. We have a special bond with all of them and share an encouraging journey that we have travelled together. They are the living example of the organization’s achievements and the values we stand for – ‘Change Lives, One Child At A Time’. The stories of our students reflect the impact of our interventions. Their stories of change inspire us to work tirelessly towards our goals and encourage us to be focused and stay true to our efforts.

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