191217 ATHENA - Profile

ATHENA Education Investments LLC is currently one of the leading groups of schools in the Arabian Gulf. The group is the result of a great concern for the society at large, combined with a well-articulated philosophy, vision and passion that the founders have for the noble profession of education. Since its founding in 2015, Athena has achieved prodigious brought up in a culture of learning independence. growth on the back of a well-articulated vision, conviction and hard work. The group currently owns and manages 27 institu- Such individuals can confidently partake in perpetuating right- tions, following the American, British and Indian curriculum. It eous attitudes for the benefit of the society at large. Their hall- has a strong presence in the nursery, primary and secondary marks are selfless service, sacrifice and commitment to the call- education spheres in the UAE and India, with the number of ing for a righteous life. students in excess of 20,000 and teachers over 2,000. Athena’s philosophy of education prepares students for ful- It has already established a leading educational brand in the filling and rewarding lives ahead, while providing them an edu- Arabian Gulf and is spreading wings around the region and be- cation enriched in academics. yond with a quest for excellence in education. The Athena brand exists with the promise of providing its students a strong Teachers, on their part, ensure that learning independence of value ethos based on social grace. students is maintained, while imparting quality education through a host of educational software deployed across teach- Our vision is grounded in the principles of individual uniqueness ing, learning and assessment programmes. and freedom of thought. We are committed to developing our students as outstanding and independent learners with “social Athena is seeking to own and manage a portfolio of schools grace”. under its banner across the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council, India, the UK, the US and elsewhere in the world. V.N.P. Raj, Athena’s founder, chief executive officer and manag- ing director, defines social grace as an attribute of individuals For the future, the group is considering branching out to colleg- es of education as a vertical integration strategy. A rapidly growing private equity group in the Founded 2015 UAE and Indian education sector, Athena Schools 13 has performed well for its stakeholders in Nurseries 14 the past four years. The 2018-19 financial Students 20,000 year saw group revenues surging 30% to Teachers 2,000 AED248 million, with a profitability of 36%. Non-teaching staff 1,800 We project FY 2019-20 revenues of AED430 million with the acquisition of three more schools in the UAE progressing.

THE ATHENA BRAND OUR BRAND STATEMENT  IN GREEK mythology, Athena is depicted as the  Athena brings out individuals with mindfulness, epitome of wisdom, courage, inspiration, creativity, love for nature, ardent seekers and readers of justice strategic warfare, justice, the arts and crafts, knowledge in their fields of interest, and a sus- skill, and mathematics. In short, Athena depicts a tained connection to the Creator. picture of social grace. The Athena brand exists to bring forth individuals abounding in social grace.  The brand assigns a premium to critical thinking, original creativity, and articulate and effective com-  Athena promises to provide its students a strong munication skills. Our students will be ready for value ethos based on social grace. fulfilling and rewarding lives ahead, while being enriched in academics.  Athena believes that students should be independ- ent thinkers and learners, with teachers fostering  Athena has achieved exponential growth in the last their learning independence and excitement to four years of its existence on the back of its brand- learn their own chosen callings. And, they develop ing strength. We continue to ride on that strength an inner sense of discipline. to go places and stamp our global footprint.

ATHENA PICTURES OF VIBRANCY

OUR DIRECTOR BOARD: FOUNDERS, THOUGHT-LEADERS, VISIONARIES V.N.P. RAJ, FOUNDER AND VISIONARY-IN-CHIEF CHAIRMAN OUR Chairman, a highly reputed UAE national, is a career bureaucrat and a banker of emi- nence. He has been leading and guiding the Athena group since its inception. He serves as a board member of a number of international banks in the UAE. More information about our chairman may be shared with prospective partners on a confiden- tial basis. VASUDEVAN Nair Prasenna (V.N.P.) Raj, founder and co-owner harboured a desire, since his college days, to be involved in of Athena Education Investments LLC, is the principal visionary positively impacting and developing children holistically. (He of the group. He is a passionate educationist, philosopher, en- recalls his first stint as a teacher in a small tuition centre near trepreneur, professional consultant, healthcare provider and his home village. Later on, he was also a faculty in the National motivational speaker all rolled into one. Bank of Dubai’s training centre.) The founder’s values, vision and passion have been the engines That desire and the hard knocks he took in his growing-up propelling Athena into a vibrant group ever increasing its mar- years, because of the absence of a father figure — his father ket foothold, although it started in a very humble way.. passed away when Raj was just eight — moulded him for a career as an entrepreneur and educationist. Raj has about 33 years of experience in India and the UAE across banking, finance, education and healthcare sectors. He Raised by a mother who is a retired primary school teacher, it is the founder and managing director of management and ac- is Raj’s unabated quest for excellence and for lasting and countancy consultancy firm PRS, financial services company, strong human relationships that has made him what he is. providing management, finance and accountancy solutions to businesses of repute in the UAE. That pursuit has been his hallmark, be it in the long years put in as a banking professional or his entrepreneurial forays into Raj wanted to be a professor but started his career in the Indi- healthcare, professional business consultancy and education. an banking industry after completing an MA in Economics with a second rank from the University of Kerala, India. He and his Raj has created models of education focused on preparing chil- wife, Sasikala Raj, have been UAE residents for about three dren of group schools to be ready for facing the challenges of decades, both mostly serving in the banking industry. an ever-transforming global market and world. But Raj has always been drawn to education and that has been The group has been providing high-quality education with a his passion and focus over the past four or five years. He has futuristic outlook to common people at an affordable cost.

OUR DIRECTOR BOARD SASIKALA RAJ, Deputy Managing Director SASIKALA RAJ is a banking professional who brings to the business her ample commercial acu- men. She has over 25 years of experience in India and the UAE. She manages operations and administration of schools and nurseries. She heads the human resources functions of the entire group, articulating balanced policy formulations and their implementation. She plays a crucial role in the acquisition of new schools for Athena. She served about 13 years in various operational capacities with the Emirates National Bank of Dubai. Prior to that, she worked in banking operations of State Bank of India for 12 years. HARSH SINHA, Group Executive Director Harsh Sinha oversees Athena’s Academic Board and promotes high-quality education in Athena. An MBA from Indian management school, Xavier’s Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Harsh has brought in his education management expertise, having managed the Shri Ram School Group, which has multiple campuses in India. Harsh is in charge of introducing positive changes in each school by way of infrastructure develop- ment and building capacity. He plays a key role in introducing hardware and software systems for academic and administrative efficiencies. He is behind all policy developments and the creation of standard operational procedures and works with the academic council to strengthen academics. Dr S.M. SIVAKUMAR, Head of Group HR Dr S.M. Sivakumar, a post-graduate in engineering and doctorate in finance, oversees the group human resources activities. His mission is to bring in staff for raising standards of education and for an environment of learning excellence. He oversees the full spectrum of HR functions — including manpower planning, talent sourcing, performance management and appraisals, and training and development.

ATHENA’S ACADEMIC BOARD IAN MCNIFF, Director of Schools — Learning Improvement • Ian McNiff is the director of Athena Schools in the UAE, which follows US and UK curriculum. • He brings to Athena a wealth of experience, having worked for 35 years in government regulators and schools within the Middle East as well as the UK. Previously, he served as director for UK schools and one of the largest school groups in the UK. • He has worked in public offices in the UK for various ministries. Dr TIMOTHY JOHN HUGHES, Director — School Improvement • Dr Timothy Hughes has spearheaded groups of schools within the Middle East and the UK for over 30 years in positions from Principal to Chief Education Officer, providing him the experience and knowhow to improve a school’s overall standing. • A member of the Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and member of the Institute of Physics, he gained a distinction in his PGCE (Science) and hold the national professionl qualification for headship. • He believes that nothing is more important than education. Knowledge should not be solely about the grades, but about all those unforgettable experiences we have and the broader skills acquired. CATHERINE O’FARRELL, Head of Inclusion • Catherine O’Farrel’s responsibility is to oversee the matter of inclusion across the Athena Group, having been a leader in that sphere from Ireland to Australia. She has spent eight years in the UAE. • Her articles are regularly published in education magazines.She is a director on the Dubai Inclusion Net- work. She is passionate about ensuring that every child can reach his or her full potential in an inclusive and caring environment. JAN HORN, Group Head — Operations • Jan Horn leads and guides Athena operations to achieve sustainable growth and development by ensur- ing efficiency, productivity and profitability. • He is responsible for the overall efficiency and performance of the group and ensuring all operations support an environment that optimize teaching and learning impact for each child. He develops strate- gic plans and works with principals to translate these into operational projects. • He has a lifelong commitment towards education and people development, and has more than 25 years of experience in the education sector Dr GIHAN FRADI, Group Head — Curriculum and Assessment • Dr Gihan Fradi has the responsibility of coordinating, implementing and developing academic curriculum across our schools. She ensures that the various standards and curriculum are followed in letter and spirit by all Athena schools. • She has worked for several schools for the past 10 years, bringing to Athena a trove of knowledge about curriculum assessment and development.

SPEARHEADING INDIA OPERATIONS … Indian operations are helmed by a team led by Athena’s founder and chairman V.N.P. RAJ, and SASIKALA RAJ, secretary of the L’ècole Chempaka Society for Educare, the society managing our Indian schools. Eminent retired diplomat and educationist par excellence T.P. SRINIVASAN is chief advisor for Athena’s Indian operations. L’ècole Chempaka Society treasurer SHEEJA NELLAYAPPAN is a post-graduate in computer science with 20 years of teaching experience. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) second-rank holder, she has conducted more than 50 training programmes for teachers, students and parents. She is trained in the Montessorie method of teaching. A motivational trainer for leading publications in India.

CORE VALUES OF ATHENA WE have always been told to liberate ourselves the evil that resides in our minds when we set from unrighteousness and move in the path of out to create for and contribute to the society. righteousness. Once a person liberates the self from oneself, the quality of social grace takes It prompts us to follow Godly and righteous paths over. It means one’s good traits are liberated conscientiously towards attaining our goals. It from the clutches of unrighteousness. reminds us that when we exploit nature, we must take care not to lose our traits of Godliness and This process continues. The fight of good against righteousness. evil never ends … must never end. Such a man loves nature and lives according to the laws of This focus on social grace prompted V.N.P. Raj nature. to found the Athena group He exploits nature to create of schools. his own place, or a world to live in and follow the laws Athena’s core values, based of nature without shedding on our foundational princi- blood. ple of social grace, are wo- ven into every academic Man has the ability to ex- and extra-curricular activity tract from and exploit na- in our group schools. ture. He has the ability to protect nature. That’s the The following academic val- karma of man as ordained ues are at the core of Athe- by God. We call it social na, and prescribes how a grace. child should learn for him/ her to be in harmony with Social grace acknowledges righteousness and Godli- ness: Learning Skills and Independence Knowledge Oneness with Home Nature Values Creativity

CORE VALUES OF ATHENA LEARNING INDEPENDENCE To foster the development of robust independent learning skills, engender curiosity, and promote learning skills through an inquiry- based approach: Learning independence, the most important of Athena’s core values, creates love for learning. The child looks forward to coming to school every day in such an environment. A true teacher, a Buddha, or one who creates awareness, brings about that independ- ent learning streak in a child. A true guru is born in the heart of a child. He creates ripples of emotions in a child who comes eager to school every day to dispel darkness and seek wisdom. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE To provide children with broad-based knowledge and wisdom for development of social intelligence and skills needed for 21st Century: Education is also about developing a holistic mindset. As our children pursue their vision, they also develop the ability to see a host of relat- ed and unrelated things around them. Our efforts are aimed at wholesome development of our children. Academics is just one aspect of education. HOME VALUES To promote values derived from each student’s home and original culture, family and also assimilate from the culture of the UAE. We promote a strong individual sense of self within the context of school, community, and global society, while celebrating others’ cultural values. It’s a very important value for children growing up in a multicultural environment. CREATIVITY To foster students’ academic, innovative and problem-solving skills. Our students are encouraged to make connections and use their im- agination to explore new possibilities, with a readiness to learn from mistakes. We believe that mistakes are intrinsic to the creative pro- cess, and the commission of errors and the handling of errors are important in the learning process. ONENESS WITH NATURE To promoting an understanding of, and love for, nature. These are very important requisites of modern learning. We encourage outdoor learning experiences in a range of contexts that contribute to an understanding of environmental sustainability. Our children grow up loving and enjoying nature, having an empathy and responsibility for living creatures, and an intense sense of responsibility for their surroundings. TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCE To provide students knowledge and understanding to optimize digital learning in a wired world: Our students acquire skills in information management, problem-solving, creativity and communication. They learn to collaborate profitably with the world outside, using tools of technology.

ATHENA’S BRANDS — SCHOOLS, NURSERIES A friendly, vibrant, community-minded school, with AL QUOZ 4, DUBAI children at the centre. A tranquil haven in a bustling city, with family values at the core. We promote  BRITISH CURRICULUM — FS1 to Year 6 creativity, confidence, commitment and citizenship  Problem solving for everyone. We foster a culture of collaboration  Critical thinking and leadership at all levels with opportunities for pu-  Resilience and perseverance pil voice, parent voice and staff voice. Principal Amy Milne (inset), a post-graduate in educational leader- ship, has over 17 years of teaching experience. AL GARHOUD, DUBAI A creative environment that aims to instill in students a set of positive attributes,  BRITISH CURRICULUM — FS2 to Year 12 skills and values. The school empowers  Leading through innovation the child to make informed choices, grow  Tradition meets modernity in self-confidence and their fulfil academic  Rated good by KHDA for student personal potential through innovative practices. Principal Craig Shipton is a strong educa- and social development tion professional skilled in budgeting, ana- lytical skills, curriculum development, teacher training, and management.

ATHENA SCHOOLS AL QUSAIS 1, DUBAI American International is committed to developing children to their full potential  AMERICAN CURRICULUM — KG to Grade 12 academically and socially, ensuring they grow up  Student centered environment as global citizens. The prime focus of the  Student personal and social development educational team is to prepare students to be culturally aware, collaborative and effective rated ‘Good to Outstanding’ by KHDA problem-solvers through a digitally-optimized  Excellent educational leadership team learning environment. Principal Tiffany Brooks has many years of teaching experience in the US and the UAE. International Academic School enforces AL WARQA 1, DUBAI continuous efforts to develop future generations and to prepare them for the  AMERICAN CURRICULUM — KG to Grade 12 challenges of the 21st Century. The global, multicultural environment of the school  Nurturing children to become independent and community provides a valuable model for stu- active learners dents and encourages recognition and respect of other nations, cultures and differences.  Established child protection processes including cyber safety  Professional senior leadership team

ATHENA SCHOOLS Al Sadiq provides a UK-based education underpinned with Islamic values. The school provides a secure and supportive environment that nurtures learning and understanding. Students are given a platform to focus on per- AL QUSAIS, DUBAI sonal development and learning to improve  BRITISH CURRICULUM — FS to Year 12 themselves to reach their final goal of excel-  Started in 1989 lence. Principal Sadia Wajid, a post-graduate in  KHDA rating of ‘GOOD’ for Islamic education and Biochemistry with a Bachelor of Education, has personality development more than 18 years teaching and school man-  Experienced and professional leadership team agement experience in the UAE. AL QARAYEN 3, SHARJAH The leading American curriculum school houses the highest technology to complement the  AMERICAN CURRICULUM — KG to Grade 12 educational journey of our children. The school is  Student-centered programs National Curriculum Authority (NCA) accredited,  Digital-based education as it satisfies all quality requirements that are  Experienced and professional leadership team based on the NCA’s modern and globally- recognized standards.

ATHENA SCHOOLS AL AZRA, SHARJAH The school ensures that the curriculum is develop-  AMERICAN CURRICULUM — KG to Grade 12 mentally appropriate, student-centered, resource-  Established in 2003 plentiful and reflective. As a result, the students  State-of-the-art tech facilities are thoroughly equipped with the necessary skills  Accredited internationally by AdvancED and and guidance to assume their role as productive citizens in the local, regional and global communi- locally by UAE Ministry of Education ty. Principal Abdelkarim Amdounij, a post- graduate in Education and an IB-certified educa- tor, has more than seven years teaching and school management experience in the UAE The school ensures that the curriculum is RAHMANIA-6, SHARJAH developmentally appropriate, student-centered, resource-plentiful and reflective. As a result, the  AMERICAN CURRICULUM — KG to Grade 12 students are thoroughly equipped with the  A unique educational experience necessary skills and guidance to assume their  State-of-the-art tech facilities role as productive citizens in the local, regional  Accredited internationally by AdvancED and and global community. locally by UAE Ministry of Education

ATHENA SCHOOLS, NURSERIES  AMERICAN CURRICULUM — KG to Grade 12 Al Zuhour Private School, the latest addition to the Athena stable, offers  Students maintain cultural identity while affordable quality education to more than following quality international education 3,000 students off various nationalities, mainly UAE nationals and Arab expatriates.  School established in 1995 The school follows an American curriculum education and aims at creating a student  AdvancED certified community empowered in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. We inspire and challenge every student to learn, grow and accomplish academic and social goals. Principal Mohamed Motawea has over 12 years of education management experi- ence in the UAE. We promote a culture of ambition and Suweihat has a stimulating and happy achievement and raise aspirations, while environment for children to thrive emotionally, enabling children to be literate and numerate cognitively and socially. The child learns to be independent and to treat with skills for learning other cultures and religions and life. Challenging, with respect. UAE, UK- stimulating and high- educated Principal Afshan quality experience. Prin- Yakoob has worked for sev- cipal Shaista Sheikh is en years in leadership roles an experienced KHDA/ in different UAE nurseries SPEA approved nursery for about seven years. principal.

ATHENA IN INDIA ... MAPLE LAWN MONTESSORI HYDERABAD, INDIA The mission of Maple Lawn Montessori, the latest Indian acquisition of Athena, now brought under the L’Ecole Chempaka Society for Educare, is to transform the early learning landscape through the delivery and promotion of managerial excel- lence, strengthening of leadership skills, conducting educational research and train- ing school leaders. The small footsteps that enter the corridors of our institution develop into confident strides when they enter kindergarten. Our expertise and experience in pre-school education are spanned over 60+ years. Maple Lawn, a franchise of an US chain of the same name, was brought to India by passionate edupreneur Ratti Kotwal. She has over 45 years of experience in early childhood education.

ATHENA IN INDIA ... L’ECOLE CHEMPAKA SOCIETY FOR EDUCARE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CHEMPAKA Kindergarten was founded in 1984 with the objective of developing a holistic approach to pre-school education. Athena found synergy with Chempaka and acquired the group in the second quarter of 2019. With ten branches around Trivandrum city, Chempaka has grown to become a reputed name in quality education. Having proven highly successful with numerous little preschoolers over the years, the “Chempaka Way” has now been extended to include all levels of schooling. Through constant evaluation and innovation, Chempaka maintains a dynamic curriculum, responding to the needs of the individual child. The curriculum takes into account the child's holistic development. Practical experience & learn- ing through indoors & outdoors activities form an important part of life at Chempaka. Music, dance & drama, picnics and nature walks are routine. EDAVACODE KALLAYAM THIRUVANATHAPURAM THIRUVANATHAPURAM L'ecole Chempaka Silver Rocks is a premier higher sec- L'ecole Chempaka Serene Valley is a premier higher ondary institution based at Edavacode, Sreekariyam, secondary educational institution at Edavacode, Thiru- Thiruvanthapuram. Started in 1998, L'ecole Chempaka vanthapuram. Started in 1998, L'ecole Chempaka offers the ISC and ICSE streams, being affiliated to the offers the ISC and ICSE streams, being affiliated to the Council for Indian Schools Certificate Examinations, Council for Indian Schools Certificate Examinations, New Delhi. New Delhi. The ICSE results have been outstanding so far with The ICSE results have been outstanding so far with students securing First Classes and Distinctions. ISC students securing First Classes and Distinctions. ISC Plus Two classes were also started in June 2011. Plus Two classes were also started in June 2011. EDAVACODE, THIRUVANATHAPURAM At L'ecole Chempaka International, we offer the Cam- With wide recognition from higher educational institu- bridge courses the Chempaka Way. We have enriched tions in India and across the world, the Cambridge our school with cross-curricular perspectives and sup- IGCSE and A Level Courses offer our students a wide port modern curriculum development, while setting range of opportunities. standards which are recognized worldwide. We en- courage innovative modes of teaching. The Cambridge IGCSE programme is offered in Grades VII - X and A Levels in Grades XI - XII.

NURSERIES IN INDIA ... CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, SUBHASH NAGAR KAMALA UNNIKRISHNAN, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, VANCHIYOOR MADELINE CYRIL GOMEZ, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, PALLIMUKKU SIVAKALA THAMPI, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, KESAVADASAPURAM ANNE MATHEN, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, JAWAHAR NAGAR BEENA MADHAV, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, KUMARAPURAM BINDU SHARATH, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, KUDAPANAKUNNU REGI UNNIKRISHNAN, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, KULATHOOR MONICA AGASTYAN, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, PONGUMOODU MINI CHAKKAN, PRINCIPAL CHEMPAKA KINDERGARTEN, MUDAVAMUGHAL JILLY TERESA, PRINCIPAL

ATHENA’S GREEN SCHOOLS … ATHENA is out to create a green footprint. Our Green Houses and THE VERTICAL gardening concept has meant that the green houses Open Gardens provide dynamic environments and opportunities take minimum space to foster a green environment. for our students to observe, discover, experiment, nurture and We have adopted the hydroponics way of growing plants with the learn. It’s a wonderful way to teach young minds environmental help of running water and minerals, kindling an innovative spirit. stewardship. Gardening provides an atmosphere for students to catch on to 21st The green initiative has been integrated across all grades in the century learning skills. It builds curiosity in new areas and creates schools, and across science and cross-curricular activities: awareness of the importance of nature. • Physical sciences of Anatomy & Nomenclature The green initiative helps our schools to extend the boundaries and • Numerical sciences of counting, measuring and business scope of the formal educational system by encouraging creativity and enhancing the awareness levels of our students to take con- • Exploring science of investigation, research, innovation and structive action for a sustainable living environment. It all started in creativity 2013, when Al Sadiq Islamic English School abandoned itself to the • Personality development through problem solving, pragma- enjoyment of gardening, starting with a small patch of grassland. tism and proactiveness. The school then worked its way to building a Green House. USING gardening as an essential teaching tool in schools have had • Teamwork, collaboration, communication and wellness. a profound impact of imparting skills children need to reach their FROM INSPIRING a lifelong love of learning to helping improve full potential in life. Our experience has showed that the hands-on health, our review and response record a positive impact of gar- approach has made students more active and flexible thinkers who dening on childhood development. Hear what our students say: are better able to meet life’s challenges in practical situations. Besides Al Sadiq, going the green way are five more UAE schools— • We’re not just learning how to go green. We can do it, we’re doing it. Grammar School, Oak Tree Primary and American International School, all in Dubai, and Al Wahda Private and Al Resalah School of • I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I under- Sciences, both in Sharjah. Our schools and nurseries in India also stand. give great importance to gardening and greening. OUR organic gardening techniques have brought an abundance of • We’re turning over a new leaf into a tidy profit. harvests of plants be it cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, broccolis, Athena is committed to taking several steps over the coming years capsicums, or a variety of herbs. to champion the importance of gardening in schools.

ATHENA CLASSROOMS — ALWAYS ABUZZ UNESCO views inclusion as “a dynamic approach of responding posi- tively to pupil diversity and of seeing individual differences not as problems, but as opportunities for enriching learning.” Athena is a leader in adopting an inclusive education policy. We have an active participation in various inclusion forums, including the Du- bai Inclusion Network. Our inclusion practitioners attend monthly training and contribute regularly to publications and events. We support our students’ development in a holistic way through different facilities. We take pains to reduce, get around or remove physical, psycological and cognitive barriers to learning and facilitate growth and improve self esteem OUR TEACHERS are always out to create a spirit of innovation, discovery and invention in our classrooms. The picture shows primary children learning about two-dimensional shapes by creating their own patterns. ATHENA BELIEVES it is important for children to grow up learning and appreciating their religion and the social milieu and surroundings for them to be righteous citizens in this world. We take pains to inculcate Islamic values to our children in UAE schools and nurseries. AT ATHENA, we consider sports and games as necessary activity for the overall physical and mental development of children. Along with the physical activity, regular cultural programmes also promote an inbuilt sense of team spirit, leadership, self- esteem, self-confidence, positive mentoring and friendships among students. .

MEERA EDUCATIONAL SERVICE ATHENA is set to launch a professional sessment, innovation, and technology. We are driven by an explicit aim to pro- development arm for teachers, focusing We will recruit an adequate number of vide quality learning for children in a on developing quality educators, who trainers and administrative staff to sup- sustainable, healthy and safe education will develop future citizens in line with port the delivery of the training pro- environment. UAE’s and Athena’s own vision. grammes and managing the centre effec- It is the questioning mind that is the cat- Named the Meera Educational Service, it tively. alyst for creativity, innovation and im- will primarily focus on developing and Meera Educational Service will have an provement in human society. delivering mandatory professional devel- active student support and services de- opment program for teachers on the partment to support teachers with the We believe in the ability of every young curriculum suggested by the UAE’s digital and physical library, and a teacher mind to explore and discover as it is this Knowledge and Human Development coach to support the growth and devel- that brings into full fruition the person Authority (KHDA). opment of teachers. they truly are. Apart from the mandatory professional The force behind the creation of Meera Keeping this in mind, we train teachers development programmes prescribed by is a vision to be an outstanding education to help children grow with learning inde- the KHDA, Meera will focus on imparting provider with a global footprint. pendence, an excitement in learning and training in classroom management, as- an inner sense of discipline.

— V.N.P. RAJ, founder of Athena

PO Box 35067 Mezzanine Floor, Office BM02 Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE Phone: 971 4 239 5572 Email: [email protected]