Harvard professors roped in to mentor indigent students
dubai — The Dubai-based Harvard Business School Club of the GCC recently organised a weeklong programme that exclusively catered to underprivileged students, who are the first in their families to attend college.
Hailing from various parts of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia, the chosen students were all facing financial challenges that discourage them from pursuing postgraduate studies.
About 70 exceptional students with unique struggle stories attended the second Annual Crossroads Emerging Leaders Programme at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), They were mentored by Harvard Business School (HBS) professors who flew in pro bono to teach an intensive five-day curriculum. The programme covered several disciplines including science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, business, and leadership.
The Dubai Future Accelerators also held a two-day mini-accelerator programme for the students to learn in a practical environment. From a design workshop to developing a prototype, students utilised their creativity to conceptualise real-world solutions.
Speaking to the students, Hala Matar Choufany, president of HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia and a board member of HBS Club of the GCC, said: “‘There is a saying: ‘The only disability in life is a bad attitude’ and I strongly believe in that, because everything else you can achieve. So, have a positive attitude, stay focused, and stay determined and you will definitely succeed.”
All the lectures and mentor sessions were held at the DIFC’s ‘The Academy’.