The new education strategy 2010-2020, announced by the Ministry of Education, identifies a “suitable environment for students” as a key pillar of focus. The Ministry has addressed current challenges as well as identifying solutions to equip students with life skills and relevant knowledge to raise a well educated generation. The strategy aims to produce school graduates who are trained to inquire, think critically, analyze and communicate effectively, thereby being prepared for the challenges of the future job market, with professionalism and commitment
H.E. Hamid al-Qatami, Minister of Education, confirmed that parents are important partners in the process towards achieving the strategy’s goals, which will ensure that the UAE is nurturing a competent human capital to participate in the country’s development process. At the same time, the strategy is ready for implementation and results will be measured through tracking improvements in educational attainment and the knowledge of students, creating an appropriate school environment with equal opportunities 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,” he added.
The Ministry of Education has adopted 50 strategic initiatives within the new educational strategy, through a series of workshops organized by the Ministry and attended by a large number of veteran educators and professionals involved in the educational sector. These include: incorporating student guidance into the study plan; setting standards for the recruitment of student counselors; amending the years of compulsory school attendance; restructuring of sports education in schools in order to improve the UAE’s student competitiveness in international tournaments; mandatory attendance of health education classes; and focusing on extra curricula activities.
In addition, the Ministry of Education identified a host of other initiatives related to education infrastructure including: introducing global standards for school buildings maintenance (preventive maintenance); developing and implementing an IT support plan; further enhancing of safety and security systems; unifying the environment in public and private schools; preparing and introducing an IT system for the Ministry, its branches and schools as well as developing the Ministry’s human resources policies.
The strategy also incorporates a set of parent-related initiatives such as the development of a voluntary social-work program for students; communications efforts targeting parents in order to improve their involvement in school life as well as activating partnerships with the private sector and social institutions.
The new strategy, “10×10”, aims to achieve 10 major student-centered objectives over 10 years by requiring all involved in the educational process in the UAE to launch a list of specific attainable initiatives, and prioritize their implementation according to the highest standards of excellence.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister 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.
The strategy can be viewed through the Prime Minister’s website www.uaepm.ae
