Ministers see bright hope for nation’s future at National Service camp for school pupils

Youth have taken the lead in defending their nation and sacrificing their lives to preserve its accomplishments

From martial arts to military training, Emirati school pupils have proven they are the nation’s hope and future, according to Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.

The ministers made the comments during a visit to the National Service Training Centre in Al Ain on Monday to thank pupils who took part in a military training summer camp.

“Emirati youth have today become a representation of will and determination and have taken the lead in defending their nation and sacrificing their lives to preserve its accomplishments,” they said.

The volunteer summer session for school pupils – launched by the National and Reserve Service Authority – was organised “with a vision to build generations that could be pivotal for the present and the future”, Mr Al Hammadi said.

Ms Al Mazrui said there has been great demand from the youth and older citizens to participate in National Service since the law was issued in 2014 by President Sheikh Khalifa.

The law requires every Emirati man between 18 and 30 to sign up for military service.

The landmark legislation was announced in January 2014 and was fast-tracked through the Federal National Council by March.

Last year, the legal term for conscripts with high secondary school degrees was extended to 12 months from nine.

Ms Al Mazrui said enthusiasm for serving the country was particularly evident in men over 30 years of age and women who are not obliged to enlist but joined the voluntary programme nonetheless.

“This is a testimony to their patriotism and the desire to serve the country.”

The National and Reserve Service Authority programme keeps pupils occupied in their spare time and teaches them Emirati values of discipline, giving, co-operation and serving the nation, state news agency Wam said.

Some Emiratis who have completed National Service believe it has helped them to secure a job or scholarship.

Earlier this year, the National Ambulance service said it was targeting National Service graduates to work as paramedics, with a nine-month training course leading to a career as a first responder.

At present, less than 1 per cent of ambulance service personnel are Emirati.