GEMS Education honoured 500 instructors and staff from 31 schools, for their continued and devoted long service to the company.

The award ceremony, held at GEMS Modern Academy, recognised all personnel who have actually finished 15 years and more, of committed service to the GEMS Network. With 12 of these individuals serving over 30 years, all of them are passionate staff members that have helped affect the lives of the countless students that have been to or are presently in a GEMS School.

Sunny Varkey, Founder and Group Chairman of GEMS Education, said: "Our track record of high quality education in the region, over the past 55 years was constructed, grown and supported by our teachers and personnel. We wish to thank and identify every one for their dedicated method to students and the larger GEMS family. They stand as examples of exactly what the education sector needs today-- a long standing dedication to students."

The award receivers hold a diverse background within the education area, from instructors and academic supervisors to senior administration.

Zakiya Omran, Educational Supervisor at Our Own English High School-- Sharjah, has actually been with the group for over 40 years. She described how everything began, "I was spoken with by Madame Varkey and joined Our Own English High School in 1972, as a young 21 years of age Arabic instructor, at the Bastakiya school in Bur Dubai. My 44 year association with the Varkey Group and subsequently GEMS Education has been a deeply enriching experience for me."

Omar Macram, government relations administrator at Jumeirah College Dubai, started his profession 32 years ago as an Arabic and Quran instructor at Our Own English High School. He discussed why he decided to be in education within the exact same company for over 3 years: "As teachers and educators we play numerous functions. We need to be mentors, leaders, friends and most importantly a team player with our students and other staff members. My time at GEMS Education has actually been rewarding both expertly and personally, as I have had the benefit to experience different roles within education, in addition to interact with students and staff from all walks of life and regions of the world," he said.

Daisy Justus, a member of the GEMS Education community for more than 35 years and Head of the English department at Our Own High School in Al Warqa'a, owes her success as a teacher to her students: "Teaching is a finding out experience for me, an experience in which my students teach and inspire new ideas and viewpoints. I treasure every minute I have actually had at the school, specifically the days when the creator Madam Varkey belonged to the institution. My most rewarding experience has remained in having the ability to play an integral part in shaping the future of future people, as that is the power that education holds."

"At GEMS Education we strive to ensure our students receive a world-class education, while establishing a lasting love for learning. This can only be achieved through the connection of committed, passionate educators, instructors and staff that produce an environment where children feel inspired, safe and excited to learn. It is important that we recognize these members of staff," included Sunny Varkey.