VCUQatar Awards Two Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Scholarships for Creativity

VCUQatar’s Director of Admissions Kristina Wong-Davis and Executive Director of Communications Meike Kaan presented the scholarships to the two winners, Farah Zamri and Dhika Rahmawati, at Al Khor International School in the presence of their family and other students.

Ms Kaan began by congratulating Al Khor International School (British Stream) “as this is the second year in a row VCUQatar is awarding both the scholarships to students from the school.” Ms Wong-Davis spoke to the students about VCUQatar’s admissions procedures and multidisciplinary approach to education in art and design. She concluded by congratulating the school and the students for winning the scholarships while encouraging the students gathered to take advantage of the opportunities VCUQatar had to offer to help them tap their potential in art and design.

“No words can describe how I felt when I was announced as one of the winners,” said Farah Zamri. “I still find it unbelievable. I would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for giving me this great opportunity. I’m very excited and looking forward to starting at VCUQatar in September.” Dhika Rahmawati said although she had applied, it was unimaginable to actually be chosen as a winner of the scholarship. “I am now more determined than ever to make every success of my future and will give my best to further my studies in art and design,” she added.

Head of Art at Al Khor International School (British Stream) Claire Jackson said, “I am thrilled to bits for the girls. They totally deserve it, being two of the most talented, creative and hardworking students I have ever had the privilege to teach.” Munira Al-Rahibi, assistant education director, Lyal French-Wright, principal, Bradley Roberts, head of Secondary School, Sue Holt, head of Middle School, Sheldon Smith, head of 6th Form, Julie Thomson, head of Careers, art teachers Helen Jones and Charlotte Pocock from Al Khor International School were also present during the ceremony along with William McGee, chief administration officer at VCUQatar.

Instituted in 2003, the VCUQatar Design Competition is open to all students who are in their senior year of high school. The best two complete university admissions applications from the pool of top competition contestants win the Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Scholarship for Creativity covering four years of tuition, housing, books and supplies to attend Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

The 2011 edition had 189 entries from Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Yemen, including 76 from Qatar. Since its inception, this competition has offered the Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Scholarship for Creativity to 17 students from the region.