Knowledge Core takes initiative to solve educational problems of expatriates Waqar Naseem Wamiq RIYADH — Prince Matab Bin Thiniyan Bin Muhammad Al Saud has joined hands with Knowledge Core Education System (Canada) to formally support an initiative to set up schools, colleges and a university in line with International standards in Riyadh. "This initiative has been launched to resolve the education problems of expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. A formal agreement was signed between Prince Matab and Shahzad Alam, chairman Knowledge Core, to design the overall framework Knowledge Core Director Tanveer Mian said. Prince Matab and Pakistani Ambassador to the Kingdom were the chief guests. A formal ceremony was held at Knowledge Core Academy in Riyadh for this announcement. The event was conducted by Naseem Pasha. Prince Matab emphasized the importance of education for all. He referred to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) saying that "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim." He said that promoting education in the Muslim world is the need of the time. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Matab said that we wanted some groups to set up educational institution providing the best possible education at the least possible cost. He was happy that this initiative would contribute to the economic prosperity of Saudi Arabia and will also open job opportunities for Saudi nationals and expats. Pakistani Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq thanked Prince Matab and Knowledge Core for extending their kind support to expatriates, particularly for the Pakistani community. Appreciating Knowledge Core, he hoped that this initiative would resolve many educational problems of the Pakistani community. He explained that there's lot of pressure for admissions in Pakistan International Schools and "we need to encourage all groups to come forward and help us resolveducational issues of Pakistani community." Manzoor suggested that curriculum for schools, colleges and university should be designed keeping in mind international standards and Islamic principles. He insisted that modern techniques and technology should be adopted by Knowledge Core to set up a group of exemplary institutions. Following his previous interactions with Knowledge Core, he knew that they have a team of highly educated teachers and professionals who can plan and manage the whole educational program. He appreciated Knowledge Core for promoting quality education in remote and distant areas of Pakistan through its eLearning program "Educast" via its offshoot Epex Lab. He added that the Pakistan Embassy would extend its full support in finding some academic collaboration and linkage with leading Pakistani institutions and universities. Shahzad Alam, chairman Knowledge Core Education System (Canada), explained that it was with the support of Saudi government and the community that we were able to invest in the education sector in the Kingdom. He mentioned that there are 9.2 million expatriate workers in the Kingdom, with around 42 percent employed in both the public and private sectors according to a new study. Large number of expatriates belong to India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt and Jordan. These expatriates have problems in educating their children in accredited educational institutions. He added that about 80 percent of expatriate workers have an average salary of SR3,000 per month. These expatriates need quality education at an affordable price. He said we are keen in setting up a education system for entry level to postgraduate level for the expats and Saudis at an affordable price. Dr. Nadeem Bhatti of Knowledge Core said, currently we have the capacity to offer degrees in Information Technology, Geometric Sciences and Business Management. Knowledge Core Education System has a formal collaborative relationship with NKRL Canada, i.e. an international research and development organization, which will complement the university with its research activities, and promote research based learning by involving students in various research projects. NKRL is currently working in the fields of Renewable energy, computational sciences, materials sciences, geometric sciences, electronics and robotics in order to work towards achieving research publication, technological advancement and commercialization. Knowledge Core presented a decorative sword to Prince Matab and appreciation awards to the leading business personalities & educationists of Pakistani community.
