Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has paid tribute to Mariamma Varkey, a leading figure in UAE’s education landscape.
Ms Varkey was the mother of Gems founder and chairman Sunny Varkey. She died this week at the age of 89.
She came to Dubai in 1959 and set up the institution that became the foundation of Gems. She first arrived in Dubai as a teacher.
“Mariamma Varkey moved to Dubai with her husband in 1959.
Driven by an enduring passion for education, she started tens of schools with thousands of students inside and outside UAE.
Mariamma recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of education in UAE and beyond,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
On Wednesday, Gems Education confirmed that Ms Varkey had passed away.
Many residents in the Emirates took to social media to pay tribute to Ms Varkey and offer condolences to her family.
“Madam Varkey will first and foremost be remembered as a beloved mother and grandmother, but also as a teacher and pioneer in education, whose impact transcends generations,” said a spokesperson for Gems Education.
“Her humanitarian contributions focused on the learning development of girls and the advancement and recognition of teachers, with her legacy rooted in her unrelenting belief in the power of quality education to better society.”
Mariamma Varkey moved to Dubai with her husband in 1959. Driven by an enduring passion for education, she started tens of schools with thousands of students inside and Outside UAE . Mariamma recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of education in UAE and beyond .. pic.twitter.com/plAGAVF51O
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 1, 2021
The annual Mariamma Varkey Award for Inspirational and Outstanding Teaching, established in 2016, sought to raise the status of the teaching profession and recognise the best teachers working in Gems schools.
The honour celebrated Mariamma Varkey’s passion for teaching.
Published: April 2, 2021 09:18 AM
