Dubai: Venessa Veigas Wins Shaikha Fatima Award

by Sunil Fernandes Kota

Dubai, Jun 23: Mangalorean girl Venessa Niketa Veigas has been awarded the UAE's prestigious Shaikha Fatima Award, for her outstanding performance in Academic and Environment activities. Venessa is a 10th standard student of The Winchester School, Dubai. Venessa is the only the student of Mangalorean origin who has won this award out of 21 girls from the GEMS network of Schools. She received this award from Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of higher education and scientific research, recently in a function organized by GEMS Network of Schools.

The award includes a scholarship to cover a year's tuition fee at a GEMS schools alongwith a memento. The award has been implemented by GEMS in 2005 in honor of Sheikha Fatima, wife of UAE's late President H H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for her valuable contribution to the empowerment of UAE women and her work in supporting excellence in all areas.

The winners for the award are chosen by the committees from each school based on outstanding academic success, significant contribution to environmental concerns, a high-level of social or community service and commitment to world citizenship.

Venessa is the eldest daughter of Peter Veigas  and Gretta Veigas, who are originally from Suratkal. She has a younger brother Neil.

According to Venessa this award is just the beginning of her success. Her ambition is to become an aeronautical Engineer as she has always been fascinated by aeroplanes. She is also thankful to her parents and teachers for  encouraging her.