Future citizens of the UAE were introduced to the world of satellites and space science during an interactive lecture presented by Engineer Mohammed Yousef Salem from Dubai Sat 1, at the Summer Camp organised by Watani, the UAE's unique celebration of national identity.
The lecture was part of the action-packed calendar of Watani's popular Summer Camp, which is back this year with more opportunities for children to learn new skills and re-discover themselves in an atmosphere of fun and creativity.
The Dubai Sat 1 expert took his attentive audience through an animated session on the technology behind artificial satellites as well as the ways in which they have transformed knowledge and science. Mohammed Yousef Salem also inspired the children with the story of his determined pursuit of space technology, which saw him being chosen as an expert in Dubai Sat 1.
Tamima Al Naisar, Director of Events and Activities at Watani said: "Bringing children closer to Dubai Sat 1 was part of Watani's efforts to instill pride and confidence among our children on the progress and future of their homeland. It told them how far their country has come from those times when their grandparents looked to the stars to reach their destinations.
"We at Watani always aim to link the achievements of the past with the aspirations of the future, this activity integrates with previous astronomy activities that have shown kids how their forefathers have used the stars to navigate and predict weather. Watani is also keen to engage with the children as they are the focal points of the knowledge based economy envisioned by the UAE government," she added.
Over 420 children aged seven to 12 are expected to attend the Watani Summer Camp programme in 2010. The Dubai camp, which started on June 19, will conclude on July 8 while Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah will have similar camps from July 11 to July 21.
This year the camps are held under the theme 'United in creativity and knowledge,' reflecting one of the key pillars of the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to make the UAE among the best nations in the world by year 2021.
