Three students from the UAE have been recognized among the top 50 contenders for the Global Student Prize 2024. Maha Nawaz, Faris Saadaat Bajwa, and Mohammad Erfan Firouzi were chosen from a pool of over 11,000 applicants from 176 countries. The annual Chegg.org $100,000 award is bestowed upon a remarkable student who has significantly impacted learning, their peers' lives, and society at large. The Varkey Foundation collaborated with Chegg.org to initiate the annual Global Student Prize in 2021, complementing its $1 million Global Teacher Prize. The prize is accessible to all students aged 16 or older enrolled in academic institutions or training programs, including part-time and online course participants.
Maha Nawaz, a Dubai College student specializing in Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and EPQ at A-levels, is a pioneer in brain-computer interfacing and engineering. Motivated by her brother's needs, she aims to assist individuals with disabilities, having developed two prosthetic hands: one using Arduino and another controlled by the mind via machine learning. A TEDx speaker and e-NABLE volunteer, the 17-year-old provides 3D-printed prosthetics. She has excelled academically with top GCSE scores and distinguished herself in Olympiads. As the Computer Science Society leader, she organizes workshops and mentors peers in 3D printing and coding, extending her initiatives to Pakistan to enhance education and healthcare. Her mind-controlled prosthetic, acknowledged by IEEE, underscores her commitment to inclusivity and diversity in STEM.
Faris Saadaat Bajwa, an Environmental Sciences student at Dubai College, is an ardent environmentalist. His childhood zoo visits sparked his interest in climate change's impact on wildlife. His contributions include internships with the WWF, founding 'Yalla Mangroves' for global mangrove restoration, and publishing research. He has won a silver medal in the British Biology Olympiad and joined the Oxford Climate Society. As a UAE Youth Ambassador, he has spearheaded various environmental initiatives, including the Mangrove Escape Room at COP28. The 17-year-old promotes conservation through presentations, aiming to plant 100,000 mangroves and combat climate change, reflecting his dedication to biodiversity.
Mohammad Erfan Firouzi, a Biology student at The Westminster School, Dubai, is a committed environmental advocate who started his research at age 10, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. The 20-year-old authored 'The Year Earth Changed' and has contributed to scientific research, earning the Round Table Global Youth Award. He founded 'The Wildlife Focus' and leads environmental campaigns and workshops. Recognized globally, he has spoken at forums like COP28, amplifying conservation efforts. He also creates educational content for 'The Wildlife Focus' YouTube channel and 'The Nature Talks' podcast, engaging communities worldwide to foster environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
UAE students have a track record of success in the Chegg.org Global Student Prize. Vansh Gadhia was among the top 50 shortlist for the 2023 prize, while Maya Bridgman was a top 10 finalist in 2022. In 2021, Lamya Butt made it to the top 10. Heather Hatlo Porter, Chegg’s chief communications officer, congratulated the three UAE students on their shortlist achievement. “Chegg celebrates not only your accomplishments but also the boundless potential that arises when young minds are fueled by a passion for change. The top 50 Global Student Prize finalists deserve to have their stories shared and their voices amplified. Their dreams, insights, and ingenuity will illuminate a brighter future for all.” Applications and nominations for this year’s Global Student Prize opened on February 1 and closed on May 5. Students are evaluated based on their academic achievements, impact on peers, community contributions, ability to overcome challenges, creativity, innovation, and global citizenship. Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, highlighted the importance of education in building a better world through the stories of Maha Nawaz, Faris Saadaat Bajwa, and Mohammad Erfan Firouzi. Last year’s winner, Nhial Deng, a 24-year-old South Sudanese refugee, empowered over 20,000 refugees in Kenya's Kakuma camp through peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship programs. The top 10 finalists of the Global Student Prize are expected to be announced in September, with the winner chosen from among them by the Global Student Prize Academy.
