Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah – formerly known as Sharjah Girls Centres – recently concluded a trip to Montreux as part of the "Ertiqaa Journey" programme, sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank, SIB, with the participation of eight Emirati girls for 8 days. The goal of this trip was for the young ladies to gain deeper insight into different cultures and learn the rules of etiquette and global protocol.

The programme included a series of workshops and theoretical classes that aimed to help the participating girls gain new expertise and behavioural skills in several areas, including financial management, global protocol and the art of hospitality, dining table design, floral arrangement and organisation of official ceremonies, the rules of etiquette and tact, and how to interact with others in daily life and at social events.

The young ladies engaged in a daily programme of intensive training courses on etiquette and protocol at Institute Villa Pierrefeu, IVP, and participated in hands-on training and theoretical tutorials, as well as in cultural programmes and workshops during the eight-day journey, which equipped them with the required skills to handle situations in their current lives and in the future.

Shiekha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, said, "The Journey offered the girls the opportunity to discover Swiss society, and learn etiquette, financial management, and social event planning, during a unique experience, which gave them a glimpse into new concepts, different cultures, and behavioral and social skills that contribute to the development of their personalities and creativity."

She pointed out that the Switzerland Journey came as part of a series of programmes and activities organised in the UAE and abroad, in line with the vision of Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs,to provide all the necessary facilities for a new generation of Emirati ladies who are able to cope with growing up and shouldering their national and family responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

Asma Hassouni, Creative Design Coordinator at Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, who accompanied the young ladies on the trip, said, "We are extremely pleased with the participation of the girls on this trip and their commitment to the fun training programme that enabled them to learn the valuable life and behavioural skills necessary for them to deal with their public lives, as well as to gain new experiences that strengthen their abilities and talents, and enhance their competence to actively participate in the diverse social landscape of the UAE."

The trip also included a visit to a chocolate factory in Rue Jules Bellet where the girls were introduced to the process of making world-famous Swiss chocolate as well as to its history, which dates back to the early 18th century. Additionally, the girls tried the traditional cheese fondue in Gruyeres which is a town known for its Swiss fondue cheese industry, and its historical castle that reflects the rich past of the beautiful, quiet village.

Further, the girls were given a bus tour around Switzerland to see its landmarks and monuments, including the UNHCR and UN Headquarters, and they visited the Jet d'Eau fountain, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The 10 km high fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world.
Source: WAM