Sustainable Education Survey 2019 Launched To Identify Citizens Eligible For Higher Education

The Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah (DSCD) has launched the Sustainable Education Survey 2019, in collaboration with Sharjah University, to collect data on the educational level of citizens in the emirate and support those who wish to pursue higher education.

The survey will cover Emiratis in Sharjah who have a diploma, higher diploma, bachelor’s degree or master’s degrees, as well as PhD holders. Personal data to be collected will include job status, academic qualifications, alma mater, areas of specialization, graduation year, graduation rate, motivation to pursue education and facilities required to achieve this goal.

Increasing education opportunities

Sheikh Mohamed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of DSCD said: “The survey is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to collect and analyze data on the educational qualifications of UAE nationals in Sharjah. Survey findings will be submitted to His Highness to help him make the right decision to promote sustainable and quality education.”

He added: “Our efforts to promote lifelong learning opportunities for Emirati youth in Sharjah aim to provide ‘Quality Education’, which is the fourth of the 17 sustainable development goals to ensure a better and sustainable future for all by 2030.”

Four data collection methods

The department will follow four data collection methods. The first, which is being implemented from May 22 to June 9, is in electronic format, sent by email to the heads of families whose data was collected during the Sharjah Census 2015 and updated in 2017, or has been taken from other data and administrative records at the department.

The second method, which will be implemented from June 10-20, is an electronic link posted on the social media accounts of DSCD and other government entities and media institutions in Sharjah. It is designed for individuals who did not receive the text message because their phone numbers were not included in the database, or due to technical problems.

The third method will be implemented from June 10-25, by calling the families and individuals who have not completed the form to urge them to add the missing information, or collect the information from them directly by phone.

The fourth method will involve conducting field visits to families whose data was collected during the Sharjah Census 2015 and updated in 2017, but has since not been updated due to inability to contact them through the link or by telephone. This stage will be implemented from June 12 and will last for one month from that date.

Personal data confidentiality

DSCD stressed that it was committed to maintaining the confidentiality of the data, of individuals as well as families. The survey will be conducted through a reliable link sent to the candidates by the department.

It called on the target community members to respond to the survey and contribute to the sustainable development process. Individuals were requested to ensure receipt of the text message and fill in the form with complete and accurate information to ensure that educational opportunities are made available to all family members.

The department stressed the need to provide a contact number and ID number to facilitate communication between applicants and educational services providers. Enquiries can be sent to ask@dscd.ae.