A teacher instructs a student during a workshop session.

Sohaila Ahmed, Staff Reporter

Members of Sharjah Youth have undergone an intensive, weeklong training workshop designed to introduce them to advanced solutions in the electrical engineering and technology fields. Through the course of their learnings, they’ve been introduced to the basics of C++ programming, working of smart applications, and more.

The training was organised by Sharjah Youth, an affiliate of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, in cooperation with the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

The workshop was organised at the faculty of engineering at AUS, and delivered by Hommam Orabi, a laboratory teacher in the faculty. Participants picked up basics of C++ programming, and learned how this programming language can be used to develop smart applications to control smart homes. In addition, they were also given an overview of electric circuit boards and their applications.

A highlight for the young participants was a tour of the university’s new engineering wing. They also visited the electrical engineering lab where they were briefed on basic nature of electrical operations and standard operating procedures.

Mariam Al Salman, Manager of Corporate Communications Department at Sharjah Youth, said, “The popularity of science and technology, both as academic disciplines and career choices, is more than ever before. Young graduates are increasingly looking into getting into the ‘future jobs’ market simply because the world is becoming more and more tech driven, which is changing the face of our economy. Polishing our young members’ 21st century skillsets is always high on our training and mentorship agenda, which is why we conducted this training workshop in cooperation with AUS.”

She added, “With increased competence in these fields, our youth will be better equipped to lead the UAE’s future aspirations of nation-building, not just as consumers of these technologies, but as inventors and innovators.”

Sixteen year-old Mohammed Said Rashed from Wasit Youth Center also stated that technologies advance at a fast pace, and one must keep up with these changes so we can take part in the transformations that will impact our future.

Meanwhile, Mayed Sultan, 16, from Wasit Youth Center who aspires to study electrical engineering, mentioned that the training was a great way for her to learn and understand the basics of electrical engineering and technology, both in theory and application.

Workshop trainer Hommam Orabi, commented, “This training week was crafted to offer participants a good grip over both theoretical and practical elements of applied science and technology. We tried to make their learning more effective by making them apply concepts to real-life scenarios. The overarching objective was to demystify the disciplines through training workshops that were simple, fun and perfect as a team activity.”

Part of Sharjah Youth’s ‘Let’s Summer’ camp organised to provide those aged between 13–18 a safe and stimulating environment within which to discover new interests and develop skills in various fields during every conducted workshop.

Sharjah Youth is a youth-centered organisation that focuses on creativity, innovation and early identification of talents from ages 13 to 18. It provides an environment to them where they can practice their hobbies and further develop their skills.

The organisation guides youth toward purposeful investment of their energy, by providing the support they need within an attractive environment where they can practice their hobbies and learn new skills.

The long-term objective is to enable and empower youth and to qualify them to meet the challenges of the future and take on leadership roles.

Sharjah Youth is part of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, which established in line with the UAE’s vision aimed at building knowledgeable and creative generations for the future