Zayed Higher Organization Launches the First Edition of the “People of Determination Skills Competition 2025”

 

137 Students Compete in an Innovative Event to Promote Vocational Training and Social Inclusion

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) today launched the inaugural edition of the “People of Determination Skills Competition 2025”, with the participation of 137 students from various canters of the organization across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The event will run for four days, from May 19 to 22, and is the first of its kind within the organization. It aims to strengthen vocational training and promote social inclusion by simulating real work environments.

Participants include 115 students in Abu Dhabi from the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Delma centers, and 22 students at the Ghayathi Center representing the Al Dhafra region. All participants are enrolled in the Ministry of Education-accredited *Work Readiness Skills Diploma Program*, certified by the Qualifications Center. This program is equivalent to a Level 2 vocational certificate (intermediate level) and targets students over the age of 18, preparing them for integration into actual workplaces in alignment with the UAE’s strategic focus on investing in human capital.

The competition includes practical assessments in two main skills: First Aid Application and Coffee Preparation. These are conducted through real-life scenario simulations to evaluate students’ abilities in applying acquired skills, enhancing their readiness and confidence to enter the workforce.

His Excellency Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization, affirmed that the competition marks a significant milestone in the organization's efforts to provide an empowering environment for People of Determination.

“The launch of this competition is a strategic step that reflects the organization’s commitment to pioneering impactful initiatives that enhance vocational empowerment and inclusion. This is more than just a competition — it’s a platform for building confidence, instilling a spirit of challenge, and refining practical skills according to best practices.”

He added that the initiative will be developed annually in partnership with stakeholders, aiming to become a permanent fixture that contributes to sustainable career pathways for People of Determination and aligns with the leadership’s vision of an inclusive and equitable society.

Engineer Khawla Al Dahmani, General Supervisor of the Competition, explained that the preparations included intensive training supervised by a multidisciplinary team. The training focused on developing individual skills, building confidence, and working under pressure. Evaluation standards were unified to ensure fairness and objectivity through coordination meetings and evaluator training on realistic scenarios.

The competition is supported by several partners, including Design Advertising and Publishing Company, Arabica Coffee Shops, and Oish Mochi Café, who contributed to the setup, logistics, and specialized training.

Mona Amer Al Ameri, Vocational Trainer at ZHO in Al Ain, stated: “We worked on enhancing the practical and professional skills of our students, with a focus on self-confidence, commitment, and teamwork. The students showed great enthusiasm and responsiveness to the training, demonstrating their readiness to actively participate in the upcoming competition. This event is a real opportunity for them to showcase their abilities, express their ambitions, and engage with realistic work environments — a direct step towards effective workforce integration.”

Salma Hamad Al Mansouri, Senior Vocational Trainer at ZHO in Abu Dhabi, added: “We trained a group of students in preparation for the competition as part of our ongoing efforts to develop their skills and prepare them for the labor market with confidence and competence. This initiative offers students a genuine opportunity to gain experience and participate in competitive environments that boost their social inclusion. It also contributes to building their personalities, increasing their self-esteem, and enabling them to demonstrate their talents and potential across various fields.”