H.E. Hamid Mohammed al-Qattami, Minister of Education, confirmed that all initiatives within the new education strategy 2010-2020 are student-focused. The strategy has placed equal opportunities in education and developing students’ sense of citizenship among its priorities which stem from the four basic needs of students; improving the educational attainment of students; creating an appropriate school environment; providing equal opportunities in education; and developing a sense of citizenship amongst students.
Through its 10x10 strategy, the Ministry of Education plans to provide a nurturing environment for Emarati students as they are the nation's real wealth - in the present and the future - and aims to raise a generation that is aware of national issues, confident and able to collectively achieve the nation's aspirations, and who stands by the country's leadership and contributes to building a strong and competitive national economy. The new strategy aims to utilize all available resources to meet the ambitions and aspirations of the UAE's wise leadership for the sustainable development of the country.
The strategy has identified a range of initiatives that address performance evaluation of students and schools. These include setting national standards for examinations in line with international standards; enabling real life skills-based evaluation (e.g. team work, etc.); implementing a public school licensing program; executing a private school accreditation program; setting up centers for talented and creative students; providing schools with basic requirements to integrate students with special needs into the mainstream education system (e.g. teaching staff and special equipment); and raising the frequency rate of competitive educational contests among schools.
The strategy stresses national identity via three initiatives; enriching curricula in public and private schools with information about the history of the UAE; enhancing national education and developing national loyalty and love for the home country; and organizing national contests that develop students’ sense of citizenship.
The Ministry of Education reassured that the new education strategy has been formulated in line with the leading education systems around the world which make the interest of the student their highest priority. Taking these leading and distinguished education systems into consideration, the strategy relies deeply on monitoring, studying and analyzing the best international educational and pedagogical experiences and practices in countries worldwide – Singapore for determining and implementing strategic priorities and involving parents in the educational process; Finland and Canada for the high quality of teaching staff made through professional training and development; Australia with regards to developing technological skills; and North America for the coexistence of both public and private schools.
The Ministry of Education announced its new strategy for education in the UAE 2010-2020, which includes 50 initiatives to be implemented over the coming 10 years to coincide with a student's educational journey and to provide sufficient time to achieve the desired results. The strategy is student-focused and reflects international best practices with the aim of elevating performance levels to achieve the highest academic standards of excellence through quality education.
The ministry confirmed that the strategy is ready for implementation. Results will be measured through tracking improvements in educational attainment and the knowledge of students, creating an appropriate school environment with equal opportunities in education and developing a sense of citizenship amongst students. This strategy is distinct in its focus on quality in implementing initiatives and achieving goals, leading to the improvement in scientific output and the elevation of the UAE's global position in the educational sphere.
The Ministry has announced the desired output of the education strategy in relation to students, teachers, parents and the community. In reference to students, the ministry aims at nurturing good citizens who are proud of their national identity, the UAE’s culture and history, and Islamic values. It also aims at making students believe in tolerance and accepting and respecting others. As for teachers, the Ministry of Education aims at positioning the teacher as an example to be followed by students, cultivating the core importance of education and the values of the UAE community and good citizenship in students, and preparing individuals with a high level of professionalism and work ethic.
With regards to parents, this strategy is concerned with their being examples of good citizenship, good behavior, truthfulness, righteousness and forgiveness. Parents are expected to urge students to learn, respect, and show interest in their teachers and schools and participate in sport and cultural activities at school. They are urged to help students do their assignments, reward distinguished performance and help students to be punctual and adhere to the rules of their schools. As for the community, the ministry aims at raising the awareness of respecting and appreciating learning by honoring teaching staff members and students, encouraging continuous learning, supporting schools through sponsoring various activities and events, and enabling students to choose careers through understanding and comprehending the requirements of the future labor market, including commitment and professionalism at work.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, believes that education is a collective concern and that everyone should be involved. His Highness has called upon all educational professionals, Ministry of Education officials, educational staff and the community at large to actualize this strategy with dedication and seriousness of purpose. For more information on the strategy, you may refer to the official website of the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates: www.uaepm.ae
