Lubna Afana An Educational Leader Shaping National Curricula and Creating Sustainable Educational Impact from Al Ain University

Yasmeen Abu Deya is an educational leader holding Jordanian nationality. I work in the field of education and curriculum development. I am currently teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, in addition to my previous roles in several administrative positions in the education sector, which gave me diverse leadership and organizational experience within the educational environment.

I graduated from Al Ain University, which I consider an important and influential milestone in my academic and professional journey, as it helped me build a strong academic foundation and develop my educational skills.

In my career, I expanded into training and development. I am a certified trainer on the Edyula platform, and I am also an ambassador for Innovation Excellence Company. I aim to spread innovative education practices and connect teaching methods with artificial intelligence.

I also hold a diploma in Artificial Intelligence, which reflects my interest in keeping up with digital transformation and integrating technology into education. Therefore, I focus on improving the learning process, empowering teachers and learners, and building modern, innovative, and high-quality learning environments.

I am honored to be an ambassador for Innovation Excellence Company and a certified trainer on the Edyula platform.

Tell us about your memories during your studies and what Al Ain University represents to you?

Al Ain University represents an important and influential stage in my life, as it was an inspiring academic environment that helped shape my professional and academic personality. I remember my university days with great pride, from interacting with professors to the spirit of cooperation among students. It was a journey full of challenges, learning, and ambition building.

During my studies, I also experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a major turning point in education. The shift to distance learning was a significant transformation that improved the experience of both teachers and students, and strengthened our skills in using modern technology and digital learning methods.

As always, the UAE becomes stronger after every challenge, and this was also reflected in Al Ain University, which returned with a modern vision that matches today’s educational needs. The opening of the new campus was a great opportunity for a new beginning and a more innovative learning experience.

Tell us about your academic journey?

My academic journey started with a passion for education and development. I progressed until I graduated from Al Ain University with distinction in a graduation ceremony that reflected the university’s value.

After that, I continued to develop myself professionally through specialized programs and diplomas, most notably a diploma in Artificial Intelligence, which expanded my understanding of digital education and innovation.

Why did you choose your major, and what are your future ambitions?

I chose my major because of my passion for education and my desire to make a positive impact on future generations. It was also a natural continuation of my diploma studies, which deepened my understanding of the educational field and strengthened my commitment to it.

It is also part of my family legacy, as my mother was an educator and school principal. She was my role model and inspired me to love education and believe in its role in building individuals and society.

My future ambitions include expanding in smart curriculum development, empowering teachers with artificial intelligence tools, and contributing to building innovative and sustainable learning environments.

Tell us about your professional journey?

I work in education and educational development. I started my career as a kindergarten teacher, then progressed through different educational levels, which gave me comprehensive experience in dealing with different age groups and understanding learners’ needs at each stage.

With time, I moved into curriculum coordination and development for national subjects until I became a curriculum leader in several schools in the country. This strengthened my leadership, planning, and academic skills.

I am currently a certified trainer on the Edyula platform and an ambassador for Innovation Excellence Company, which allowed me to train teachers and deliver programs in modern education and promote innovative learning practices.

I also currently work as an Arabic teacher for non-native speakers, believing that teaching is a noble mission that goes beyond education to building character, values, and cultural communication.

How did your studies at Al Ain University support your career?

Al Ain University provided me with a strong academic foundation and advanced educational skills that helped me enter the professional field with confidence. It also strengthened my research, analysis, and critical thinking skills, which directly reflected in my work in curriculum development and training.

The university was the starting point of my academic and professional journey, giving me the opportunity to work in different schools across the country and gain diverse experiences that shaped my expertise.

During my studies, I was also working alongside my academic commitments. The university provided a supportive and flexible learning environment that helped me balance both study and work, as well as my role as a mother and working woman, without giving up my educational ambitions.

What are the main challenges in your current position?

One of the main challenges is keeping up with the rapid development of educational technology and the different levels of digital readiness among teachers and learners. Another challenge is balancing educational authenticity with modern innovation requirements.

What is the role of a graduate towards the university and society?

The role of a graduate toward the university is to be an ambassador in the field, representing its values and outcomes. In society, the graduate contributes to knowledge development, spreading awareness, and building generations capable of facing challenges.

How can work-life balance be achieved?

Work-life balance can be achieved through conscious time management, setting priorities, and creating clear boundaries between work and personal life. Taking care of mental and physical health, and engaging in social and cultural activities, also helps maintain balance and stability.

Most influential books in your life?

The most influential books in my journey are those related to educational leadership, self-development, creative thinking, and emotional intelligence, as they shaped my vision as an educational leader and strengthened my professional and human awareness.

The book “My Story – My Journey” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had a special impact on me. It inspired me to understand true leadership based on ambition, hard work, and building the future, and reinforced the importance of determination, achievement, and serving the nation positively and responsibly.

What are the key pillars for students and graduates?

The most important pillars are continuous learning, ethical values, practical skills, flexibility in learning, openness to self and technological development, as well as initiative and responsibility.

Final message to university graduates?

You are an extension of a prestigious academic institution. Let your achievements reflect the values of your university. The world today needs innovative minds, so be the change and create an impact that matches your ambition and knowledge.