Seven students from Kings’ School, Al Barsha, are taking part in a unique exercise that seeks to bridge the gap between education and industry
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman, Galadari Brothers Group, along with Ahmed Osman, Managing Director of the diversified conglomerate’s Food and Beverage division, the students of Kings’ School, Al Barsha, Dubai, who participated in the immersive branding exercise, and some of the staff of F and B Division in Dubai on Thursday. — photo by shihab
Michelle Sewell, who arrived in the UAE as a teacher about five years ago, saw a critical gap in the market between industry and education compared to her native England.
Sewell, whose mother is Irish and father Panamanian, quickly moved in to fill the void.
She introduced the best industry practices to teach her students who are eager for vocational education at Kings’ School, Al Barsha.
“The UAE, which values education, is a perfect starting point to try this exercise. I thank Galadari Brothers’ Food & Beverage (F&B) division for giving seven of our students aged 16-17 the opportunity to have a hands-on experience of a brand awareness exercise This bridging project will be useful for these students who are ready to be the change makers of tomorrow,” said a bubbly Sewell, whose infectious nervous energy has rubbed off on her wide-eyed and curious students.
Rashed Abdulla bin Beyat Al Falasi, the lone Emirati in the group of participants, was praised for the “immersive experience”.
He said: “I enjoyed the rigorous exercise because it gave me a rare insight into brand awareness. Branding holds the key in a consumer and social media driven world.”
Al Falasi is aware of his career choices and felt the exercise would benefit him in his future endeavours. “I want to study finance because I like investing and this project showed me the way forward,” he added.
His peer, Mohammed-Ilyas Hafesji, who is of Iranian descent and moved to Dubai from the United Kingdom (UK) at the age of three, echoed Al Falasi. “It has been an eye-opener for me. The project gave me a 360-degree overview of performing tasks for a sneak peek of global business trends.”
Walid Dajani, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent who aspires to become an entrepreneur, said, “The exercise has enriched my perspective on the modern business scenario. I am further encouraged in my outlook on how to seize an opportunity and seize the moment which is the focal point of all sound business decisions.”
Britain’s Harry Armistead, who has lived on three continents and has been resident in Dubai for the past three years, weighed in on Dajani’s point of view amid a similar career ambition.
“I’m lucky to get an overview of a real working environment, which is a privilege few have at a young age,” he said.
Sara Alono, one of the three girls in the seven-member contestant group, also wants to become an entrepreneur.
She highlighted Galadari Brothers’ F&B division’s recent acquisition KyoChon, Korea’s most beloved fried chicken.
Alonso, who traces his origins to Spain and Mexico, said, “I enjoyed learning about KyoChon and want to visit the stores more than ever.”
Georgia White, a Londoner who has lived in Dubai for the past 12 years, had a refreshing take on the exercise. “It gave me an opportunity to present data and information in a real-time working environment. I also enjoyed trying new offerings from (Galadari Brothers’ F&B divisions) Baskin Robbins and KyoChon,” said a modest White.
Cameron Froud from Johannesburg, South Africa, and of British descent, has been living in Dubai for the past five years. She has chalked out her career path and “the practice will come in handy”.
Froud, who wants to become a business manager, has confronted a moment of truth through this innovative exercise. “Team building is the key to a successful business. This hands-on work experience will help me become a better manager, which requires excellent interpersonal skills,” she said.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman, Galadari Brothers Group, emphasized the importance of the exercise.
“We have always put young people at the heart of our mission, empowering them as agents of change and making a positive impact on the world. I enjoyed watching seven students from Kings’ School contribute to our ongoing development and reflect on their experiences with our beloved Baskin Robbins brands and KyoChon,” he said.
Ahmed Osman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), F&B Division, Galadari Brothers Group, hailed the initiative championed by Dominic Keogh-Peters, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Galadari Brothers Group.
“Our youth hold the key to shaping the future of the UAE. It is our responsibility to support and empower them to reach their full potential, unleash their talent and drive positive change for a brighter future. We partnered with seven students at Kings’ School, Al Barsha, for bringing disruptive and innovative ideas to our key brands, Baskin Robbins and KyoChon. We are impressed with their new ideas, unique perspectives and strong recommendations to drive growth across both of these brands. Collaboration with young minds is essential to drive innovation and success in the classroom and beyond. We want to continue working together to unlock unlimited potential and create a brighter future for all,” he said.
The diversified conglomerate’s F&B division predates the founding of the country on December 2, 1971.
Established in 1962, Galadari Ice Cream Company operates more than 1,000 Baskin Robbins outlets in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) and Dunkin Donuts in Qatar and Oman.
Baskin Robbins is the first international brand to open in the region, the largest Baskin Robbins franchisee worldwide and the largest quick service restaurant (QSR) brand in the Mena region. KyoChon, Korea’s most loved fried chicken, and Shabestan, the first Persian concept in the UAE, are also from the group’s jewel in the crown, the F&B stable.
The first KyoChon restaurant opened in Deira City Center last December.
KyoChon operates out of five locations – Deira City Centre, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman Mall, Motor City and Diyafa Street.
