In the previous 2022-2023 edition, the fund was divided among seven deserving ISP staff members, empowering them to enhance their learning and skills through additional training courses of their choice. Recipients, such as Calum Rowland, Charlotte Clark, Elizabeth Barry Cutter, Joanne Salvamante, Ronali Nabong, Esli Boshoff, and Minhaz Uddin, from ISP Schools in the Middle East, were awarded portions of the Fund, fostering their commitment to providing higher-quality education within their respective school communities.
Calum Rowland, Assistant Head of Lower Primary at The Hamilton International School in Qatar, and recipient of the 2022-2023 fund said: “I am delighted that my application for the ISP Federico Olive Fund was successful. It will enable me to complete a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and prepare for the next step in my career. As a life-long learner, I look forward to the challenge and applying an increased awareness and confidence in my leadership role at Hamilton.”
Another 2022 – 2023 fund reciepient, Minhaz Uddin, a Primary PE Teacher at Park House English School in Qatar, said: “I am extremely grateful that my application for the Federico Olivie fund was successful. This funding allows me to continue my development as a teacher, which I intend to do by completing an MA in Education (Leading Sports in Schools). After completing the course, I want to apply what I've learned to make our students' educational experiences, especially in physical education, memorable.”
The selection committee looked at several criteria to identify the recipients when making the final decisions.
Rory Galvin, Director of Learning at ISP - Middle East, said: "The Federico Olivie Fund underscores our commitment to nurturing a community of educators who are not only passionate about their craft but also dedicated to continual growth and development. The significance of the Fund goes beyond individual professional development; it is a collective investment in the quality of education at ISP Schools. By empowering our teachers to excel, we are directly impacting the learning experiences of our students positively."
Kam Bhamra, Regional Managing Director, ISP - Middle East, shared the inspiring vision behind the scholarship. He said: "Schools are embracing transformative changes in this era of rapid advancements by adopting innovative approaches, tools, and technologies. By equipping themselves with new skills, our academic and administrative staff are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of their schools and enriching the educational journey of our pupils. The Federico Olivie Fund encourages these remarkable qualities, offering unwavering support to our employees in their pursuit of continuous learning and their commitment to becoming catalysts of positive change within their schools. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the
recipients of the 2022-2023 edition and looking forward to seeing more outstanding applications for this year’s edition."
The Federico Olivie Fund was established in memory of a friend and colleague of ISP, who passed away in 2015. Federico was involved in the private education sector and made a significant contribution to ISP in the organization’s early days.
The Federico Olivie Fund provides a financial contribution to support applicants from ISP schools who wish to enhance their learning and skills by completing additional training. Applications are open annually to all teaching and non-teaching Middle East employees of ISP.
ISP Schools in the Middle East include: The Aquila School, Nibras International School, Star International School, Al Twar, Star International School, Mirdiff, and The English College in Dubai; Aspen Heights British School and Reach British School in Abu Dhabi; and Park House English School and The Hamilton International School in Qatar.