UAE schools play leading role in promoting sustainability, environmental awareness

Schools in the United Arab Emirates are playing a leading role in promoting sustainability concepts, increasing environmental awareness, and encouraging students to think scientifically towards achieving sustainable development.

This is in line with the UAE's preparations to host the COP28 climate conference in December 2023.

These schools have presented ambitious plans to integrate sustainability concepts into their curricula, aligning with 50 percent of the UAE schools to be 'Green Accredited' initiative. They are also providing training programmes for teachers and school administrators to enhance their ability to disseminate environmental awareness and sustainability among students.

International schools in the UAE are also contributing to elevating the level of education and environmental awareness through multidisciplinary curricula that emphasise the importance of environmental preservation and active participation in its protection.

Lin Xiuqin, a Chinese Curriculum Specialist at the UAE Ministry of Education, told that the "100 Schools Project" curriculum for teaching the Chinese language includes environmental topics as an essential part of student education. This is achieved through innovative educational activities where students are introduced to vocabulary such as "sustainable development" and "environmental responsibility for all." She also pointed out that the curriculum enables students to understand the connection between daily life and environmental preservation.

Xiuqin said that the Chinese language curriculum highlights several examples focusing on the theme of "travel" to encourage students to understand the importance of green transportation and environmental conservation, such as biking instead of using cars. In another context, the importance of protecting endangered animal species like pandas and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance is emphasised.

As Chinese language education continues to expand in the UAE, the Chinese language teaching project in 100 schools is increasingly integrated into the local educational system. This project is an effective tool for promoting basic education and environmental awareness in the country.

News Source: Emirates News Agency