Shell conducts workshops as part of its 'Better Environment Awards' 2007-2008 initiative

The first of these workshops was held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, followed by another in Sharjah.

Shell, in conjunction with the UAE Ministry of Education, had launched this year's award in October. The award gives an opportunity to schools to research into and interact with projects based on strong foundations and benefits for the society. This year's program is intended to allow schools to make greater interaction with new issues related to environment, health and safety.

The workshops will feature a number of lectures on the main award categories including hygiene, safety, environment and energy conservation. The competition will give the participating primary and secondary stage students in all government and private schools an opportunity to present their ambitious ideas over the issues they face in their daily life. These could range from smoking, obesity and energy to global warming and road safety. Participating schools were spread across different emirates and regions of the state.

"The workshops in both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have received a positive response from all participants," said Omar Al-Qurashi, Communications Manager in Shell. "This year's contest has witnessed tremendous participation from all schools throughout the UAE. We take pride in this relationship with the local community within which we work and share our efforts in safeguarding the environment and alerting the younger generation about the importance of preserving our surroundings."

The judging panel will consist of representatives from Shell, the Ministry of Education and Zayed Environment Award. Moreover, the organisers of Zayed Environment Award will provide their expertise in the field of environment development, and the Dubai Health Authority will share its experience in the field of health.

Projects will be evaluated according to certain criteria, such as the wealth of information in the chosen topic, the suitability of problems and solutions to the reality of the UAE community, and the innovation of the solutions offered by the team and the interaction among the team members.