Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

To support those who wish to pursue higher education, the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD), launched the 'Sustainable Education Survey 2019', in collaboration with Sharjah University, aimed at collecting data on the educational levels of citizens in the emirate.

The survey will cover Emiratis in Sharjah who have a diploma, higher diploma, bachelor's or master's degrees, as well as PhD holders. Other personal data to be collected will include job status, academic qualifications, alma mater, areas of specialisation, graduation year, graduation rate, motivation to pursue education and facilities required to achieve this goal.

Regarding the survey, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the DSCD, said, "The survey is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to collect and analyse data on the educational qualifications of UAE nationals in Sharjah. The survey's findings will be submitted to His Highness to help him make the right decision to promote sustainable and quality education."

The department will collect data via four methods. The first, which is being carried out from 22nd May to 9th June, will include an email sent to the heads of families whose data was collected during the Sharjah Census 2015 and updated in 2017, or has been taken from other data and administrative records at the department.

The second method, which will be implemented from 10th-20th June, is an electronic link posted on social media accounts of the DSCD and other government entities and media institutions in Sharjah.

The third method will involve speaking to families and individuals who have not completed the form to urge them to add the missing information, or provide the necessary information over the phone. This will be done from 10th-25th June.

The fourth method will involve conducting field visits to families whose data was collected during the Sharjah Census 2015 and revised in 2017, but has not been updated.

DSCD stressed that it was committed to maintaining the confidentiality of the respondents and requested individuals to confirm the receipt of text messages and provide accurate information, to ensure that educational opportunities are made available to all family members.

The department noted the need to provide a contact number and an ID number to assist communications between applicants and educational service providers.

WAM