AMBASSADOR School, one of the largest Indian schools in Dubai, has emerged as the only education provider from Dubai to have won the prestigious ‘Golden Peacock’ award in the 'Innovative Product/ Service' category at the Institute of Directors (IOD) India's 28th World Congress on Leadership for Business Excellence and Innovation. This is supported by the Ministry of Economy, the Government of the UAE.

Kamal Kalwani, vice-chairperson of Ambassador Schools, received the award from Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of state for tolerance of the UAE, for the social innovation; helping hand program in the presence of Rtd. Lt. Gen J.S. Ahluwalia, president of the IOD, India.

Ambassador Schools’ commitment to build learning communities and deliver quality education, provides the base for this ‘social innovation’; helping hand program. The innovation was launched in 2016 and focuses on inclusive learning by “creating shared value” for ‘students of determination’.

Kalwani said, “Winning the Golden Peacock Global Award 2018 bears testimony to our endeavor to align with Dubai’s vision to become a fully inclusive (disability-friendly) city by 2020-21. We remain steadfast in our determination to create a sustainable ecosystem comprising students, teachers and parents, enhance accountability, and accelerate educational performance to further fuel the development of the UAE.”

Based on the concept of holistic learning that each person finds identity, meaning, and purpose in life, a framework was created to incorporate experiential learning. It is a research-based methodology that yields positive results related to student achievement.

The modules are based on problem-solving within realistic situations, learning in multiple contexts and authentic assessments and support academic instruction and social skills. Ambassador School took the position of ‘thought leadership’ to inspire and engage diverse social groups to build a foundation for others to join in towards creating an inclusive society. — SG