Return of the Magnificent 7 (to the classroom)

 

An image of the original Magnificent Seven of 1971 and founding fathers of the UAE, who established the country 41 years ago. They are: Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the Union and Ruler of the UAE and Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President of the UAE, Shaikh Khalid III Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Shaikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Shaikh Ahmad II Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah.

All have since passed but their legend lives on with the recent announcement by the Ministry of Education that it’s to introduce biographies and tales of the seven into the national studies and history curriculum in schools - Can't wait, should be a good read!

It's A Wrap!

 

After two months of slaving over a hot script, Knowledge Ninja 4 is launched in Abu Dhabi to critical acclaim. Congratulations to writer Stephen Visagie, lead actor Ali Rashed Ahmed Al Romaithi, myself (the happy snapper) and the rest of the Knowledge Ninja cast. It's time to crack open the non-alcoholic champagne and start thinking about Knowledge Ninja 5.

The Ninja Honour Code

 

In this scene, Ahmed asks why it's so important to reference his sources. The sensei librarian explains that that other Ninjas risked their lives to get this information. It was only honorable to acknowledge their work and sacrifice.

Typing Master

 

After a couple of hours on the laptop and with the help of some great software, our Knowledge Ninja has mastered touch typing and is ready to start on his top secret, highly classified report

Hunt & Peck

 

Just as important as preparing for a mission, or performing well on a mission, is what comes after a mission. A Knowledge Ninja needs to be debriefed and write a clear and correct report on what he has observed and discovered on his mission....but first he needs to attend some typing classes and avoid the slow method of typing in which our untrained typist seeks out each key before striking it. AKA the 'hunt & peck' method.

Mission NOT Impossible

 

In the latest issue, Knowledge Ninja 4: Mission NOT Impossible, Ahmed San finds the right people and resources at the Library, Independent Learning Centre (ILC), Active Learning Zone (ALZ) and the Assistive Technology Learning Resource Centre (ATLRC). It takes a village to raise a child, and in this scenario, it takes a community of people to train a successful and independent Knowledge Ninja.

Knowledge Ninja IV

 

Nice portrait of Emirati student-cum-actor Ali Rashed Ahmed Al Romaithi on the set of “Knowledge Ninja IV”, the manga-styled comic starring himself as junior apprentice Ahmed San.

Under the Mangafying Glass

 

With the final edited version of "Knowledge Ninja" approved by the editor and publisher, it's now time to sit back and start negotiating selling the film and television rights!

Caution - Singer in Training

 

Ahmed San tries his hand at singing in "Knowledge Ninja" Meoooooooow!

Sit Vis Nobiscum!

 

Better to be a Smart Ass than a Dumb Ass so says Yoda.

Bourne-free

 

Abu Dhabi legend Arthur Wong playing Police Officer Charlie Dibble in "Knowledge Ninja".

The Continuing Adventures of Knowledge Ninja

 

Another scene from the “Knowledge Ninja” manga-styled comic starring Ali Al Romaithi as junior apprentice Ahmed San.

Knowledge Ninja

 

A scene from the “Knowledge Ninja” educational manga comic that I’m currently working on with scriptwriter Stephen Visagie. Starring Emirati student actor Ali Rashed Ahmed Al Romaithi, it tells the story of apprentice Ali having a dream visitation by wise Senseis Yoda (from Star Wars). Ali is encouraged to make full use of the wisdom offered by Yoda, and the facilities on offer at a top UAE University. Stay tuned for more excerpts over the coming days.

What's My Name?

 

I am a Book in elegant prints
To know my name, here are some hints:
Rich in cover and nicely bound
In hearts of Muslims I am rarely found
High on a shelf I am usually kept
Forgotten and neglected, I am left
With respect I do get lots of kiss
My main point is what they always miss
At times I am used for phoney swear
My true use though is very rare
A Miracle I am that can change the world
All one has to do is heed my word
I am your saviour, I am your guide
So come and take heed, come and abide
I have wisdom, I have treasure
So much so, there is no measure
Right from wrong is my fame
Holy Qur'an is my name

UNKNOWN

Photo taken at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Cyberdelic

 

The futuristic ‘Information Commons’ at one of Abu Dhabi’s top universities has the latest IT, combined with library facilities and a range of study spaces – Awesome!

Welcome to Down Memory Lane

An old photo of the National Library at the Cultural Foundation on Sheikh Zayed 1st Street. It closed around a year ago moving near to Zayed Sports City.

The Value of Education

 

"Live as if your were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever".
~Mahatma Gandhi

"Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous".
~Confucius

"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival".
~W. Edwards Deming

Photo of students in the library at one of the capital’s premier universities.

The Fountain of Dreams

 

The magnificent grounds at one of the capital’s top universities.

Sons of the Desert

 

"My father rode a camel. I drive a Land Cruiser. My son flies a jet-plane. His son will ride a camel".
-Saudi proverb


Photo taken at Madinat Zayed.

What Arabs Read

With the average Arab reading just 6 minutes per year, there's a big push in school & colleges here to raise student awareness of reading as a value for lifelong learning and pleasure - It's a hard sell!