Education key to Vision 2021
ABU DHABI: The government counts much on education as one of key enablers to deliver the 2021 Vision and smart learning has been instrumental in harnessing the power of technology to drive the UAE’s educational agenda forward. In today’s competitive economy, the UAE recognises the paramount importance of harnessing the potential of its human capital and building a knowledge-based society in order to compete effectively on the global stage.
The recent education initiatives, launched by the Cabinet Retreat, are yet another huge stride forward for the UAE towards achieving an integral element of the UAE Vision 2021, and developing a truly world-class educational infrastructure and workforce.
Among the major initiatives that have taken shape in 2012 was the Mohammad bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme that was launched in April by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The programme, which is intended to transform the way education is imparted, is being implemented in a phased manner with a pilot phase is currently underway.
The pilot is going really well with Grade 7 students from eight public schools, involving around 60 teachers and 700 students.
The goal is to explore the implementation of information and communications technology (ICT) in delivering quality education and build a sustainable model of ICT-enabled education system.
The Dhs1 billion programme is part of the UAE Vision 2021 and will be introduced in four stages over five years, covering all public schools.
A rapid rise in population has necessitated a considerable investment in education. Today, the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Mohammed, offers a comprehensive education to all male and female students from kindergarten to university, with education for the country’s citizens being provided free at all levels. There is also an extensive private education sector.
Statistics showed that the number of government schools rose from 132 in 1972 to 685 in 2013 with student body of more than 305,000, while private schools increased from 18 to 489, enrolling over 605,000 male and female students.
With education continuing to get increased national priority, 21 per cent, or Dhs9.8 billion of the 2014 budget of Dhs46 billion, has been allocated to both general and higher education sectors. It will be spent on improving the general education (Dhs6 billion) and academic excellence programme in local universities (Dhs3.8 billion).
New initiatives are being launched at all educational levels. A key area of focus has been to transform K-12 programs, to ensure that UAE students are fully prepared to attend universities around the world and compete in the global marketplace.
The Ministry of Education’s strategy is grounded on the UAE Vision 2021 which envisages that a diversified and flexible knowledge-based competitive economy will be powered by skilled Emiratis and strengthened by world-class talent to ensure long-term prosperity for the UAE.
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