Enviro-Spellathon 2003-04 launched in Abu Dhabi

This is the third year running that the programme will be implemented in schools across Abu Dhabi emirate. It is also the third year that the Enviro-Spellathon has received generous sponsorship, exclusively by Shell.

The programme is organised by the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) and the World Wide Fund for Nature in association with Emirates Wildlife Society (WWF- EWS), under the patronage of Ministry of Education and Youth. Participation in the Enviro-Spellathon has strengthened since its inception in 2001, both in terms of student numbers and geographical coverage. Starting with just Abu Dhabi emirate in its first year, it expanded to also cover Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in 2002. Fujairah will be the fifth emirate to join in the current year.

Co-organisers of the Enviro-Spellathon include Dubai Municipality, Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Ras Al Khaimah's Environment Protection and Industrial Development Commission and, the latest entrant - Fujairah Municipality.

A total of 109,352 students from 387 schools in four emirates participated in the Enviro-Spellathon last year (2002-03). Of these, about 73,000 students of 241 schools were from Abu Dhabi alone. "Such a high level of involvement of primary school graders across the country is unprecedented," said Mr. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General, ERWDA. "It means that, besides the large number of students who have been made more environmentally aware, as many families and the participants' teachers have also benefited, since children study the Enviro-Spellathon both at home and in school."

Six booklets or 'levels' on themes pertaining to the UAE's environment have been specially developed for the Enviro-Spellathon. These cover such subjects as wildlife, water and waste. Children between the age of 6 and 12 years in participating schools study the booklet appropriate to their level and are tested on its content. Depending on the scores attained, they receive gifts and certificates. The best 10 students from each school are nominated Enviro-Spellathon Ambassadors.

Dr. Frederic Launay, Director, WWF-EWS, said, "Our evaluation of last year's programme revealed the extent to which the Enviro-Spellathon is impacting students, their teachers and families. It is, undoubtedly, proving to be an enjoyable learning experience for all. Thanks to the programme, there are growing numbers of young ambassadors to spread the conservation message across the community. Entrusting the future of our natural heritage to citizens who understand its value is the vision behind this programme."

"Shell is proud to be the sole sponsor of this programme, which has generated so much interest in schools," said Dr. Mohamed Defrawi, Country Chairman and Managing Director, Shell Abu Dhabi. "We believe it is contributing to raising environmental awareness among children. The Enviro-Spellathon's progressive growth over three years is proof of its popularity and its value to the UAE."

In the last academic year (2002-03), the largest participation was from Abu Dhabi followed by 19,251 children from 74 schools in Dubai, 10,403 from 40 in Sharjah, and 6,737 from 32 in Ras Al Khaimah.

In the current school year, about 125,000 students are expected to partake of the programme from schools across five emirates.