Schools programme launches to improve understanding of UAE natural environment

Now in its 8th year, the programme introduces new sponsors as well as an exciting new 'Interactive Enviro-Spellathon' for the first time, as an additional online option of the resource for teachers, parents and pupils alike to enjoy.

Having already engaged with over 675,000 pupils across 545 government and private schools since its inception in 2001- 2002, the updated programme is designed to reach even more students, educating school children between the ages of six and thirteen years old, with the aim of increasing their knowledge and awareness of the rich natural habitat of the UAE as well as local and global conservation issues.

As Mr. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD,explained:

"To date the 'Enviro-Spellathon' programme has been hugely successful in evoking the interest of children through enjoyable study materials and activities which illustrate the vast variety of plant and animal life that exists within the UAE. Beyond teaching a basic understanding of fauna, flora, habitats and environmental behaviour, the programme explains the link between consumption patterns and the impact of humans on nature, therefore encouraging sustainable living practices."

Praised by all backgrounds and nationalities, the universal appeal of the unique teaching resource has been attributed to the 'learning experience' as students grow and develop, advancing through the seven stages of education from ages 6 to 13 years, with improvements in language and vocabulary skills witnessed, demonstrating the long-term value of the programme.

As Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Director of EWS commented, the programme is vital to changing attitudes and making a real difference;

Razan Khalifa, said:
"When you consider that the future existence of the natural environment lies in the hands of our school children, as they are the citizens of tomorrow, the importance of the programme cannot be underestimated as the stakes for society have never been higher. We're delighted with the response from schools as it has become a firm addition to the school activities."

She, added:
"Hopefully the progression this year in having an online option, a first for the region, via the 'Interactive Spellathon,' will enable more children to benefit from the programme, resulting in positive changes in attitude by young people towards environmental issues. To have the full backing and breadth of support from our partners; Dubai Municipality, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (Sharjah), Fujairah Municipality (Fujairah) and Environment Protection and Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (Dubai) is particular pleasing, as it demonstrates the combined efforts and serious measures local authorities are taking in tackling environmental issues within their own area of responsibility."

Razan, said:

"It must be acknowledged that such a development has only been possible thanks to the generosity and foresight of the Interactive Enviro-Spellathon's financial partners - Emirates Foundation, Aldar, and Géant/Le Marché who have joined the longstanding partner of the original offline Enviro-Spellathon, Shell Abu Dhabi. By contributing and showing their support towards the programme, all our sponsors have demonstrated their commitment to sustaining the environment in the UAE and must be commended for the example they have shown. Designed to captivate and engage with children, the Interactive Enviro-Spellathon, has been receiving rave reviews from those schools that previewed the resource. The whole concept has been designed to maximise learning, enjoyment and ease of use with the pupils following the life of the main character 'Hamad' and his family as he explores the natural habitat with a lively mix of exotic sounds and colourful images. Importantly the programme includes dedicated section on topics such as caring for valuable resources like water, so all the fun activities relate to serious issues. Schools can either upload our CD onto their server or equally it can be accessed via the internet. Of course providing an online method also has benefits for the environment as we expect to minimize our carbon footprint via reducing the amount of paper used and lowering the environmental costs associated with physically distributing the programme to schools across the UAE."

She added:
"There are Arabic and English versions with helpful teacher resources creating the opportunity for the environment to be discussed in the classroom or even at home thanks to the internet. There literally is something for all ages and levels so with hours of fun and learning waiting to be discovered. I'd encourage all teachers, parents and pupils to sign up and get involved."

Dr. Nejib Zaafrani, Managing Director for Shell Abu Dhabi said:

"The message that the Enviro-Spellathon programme clearly delivers is very simple, yet very powerful: 'our environment is important to all of us'. Imbedding environmental awareness into the minds and souls of our youth is of extreme significance, not only to us as parents and teachers, but also to the future generations, who will face even bigger environmental challenges in the future."