Private schools will be subjected to greater scrutiny by the Government to ensure they are teaching pupils to the highest standards. Dr. Ridge said closer inspections of private school curriculums, exams, and teachers would be a logistical challenge and that while the Ministry of Education’s curriculum is already in line with international norms, the gap is in what is implemented versus what is attained.
Enrolling and retaining national male students has been a main challenge in the UAE, where women comprise 80% to 90% of the students at many universities. Dr. Ridge, executive director of the Al Qasimi Foundation, said gender imbalance at higher education institutions is concerning as the UAE needs to have both men and women who are well educated and able to contribute to the national development of the country.
In order to raise awareness of recycling, the sixth annual Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management Agency, is including a recycled art category within its visual arts strand. Submissions must use recyclable materials from the emirate “or focus on telling the story of recycling” and can come from individuals, students, and school teams.
Teacher professional development is essential for transforming teaching and learning and directly affects all aspects of schooling. But what makes a professional development program a success? And more importantly, how do you ensure the continued success of teachers who participate in your professional development programs?
This September will mark the fifth year of the Al Qasimi Foundation’s continuing education courses for inmates at the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Correctional Facility. The courses are part of the RAK Prison Project, which seeks to prepare inmates for life after prison.
Recent research by the Al Qasimi Foundation emphasised the importance of art, music and PE in creating well-rounded students. With growing pressure to do well on assessments, students and teachers in the UAE are prioritizing tests and passive learning. Education policymakers should work to alleviate this pressure and focus on helping students and teachers maintain a balance between learning and assessments.
The high unemployment rates in the Arab region are well documented. Despite high levels of enrollment, instruction quality is poor. With low oil prices, the public sector isn't hiring and with the high expatriate population, the competition to find private sector jobs excludes all but the best foreign-educated local. With students facing final exams, what should they do next? Continue to study or find a job?
Over the past decade, the number of foundations and nonprofits in the Gulf region has exploded, up from just a handful to dozens of organizations, ranging from development funds to specific issue-focused family philanthropies. Often modeled on Western foundations, but drawing on a culture of generous giving, these organizations will be a powerful force in the Middle East’s development for years to come.
The Basket of Giving initiative launched by the Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters, as part of its Year of Giving initiative, has resulted in the release of some 31 physically disabled inmates. This has been part of a multi-organizational effort to provide supportive programing to inmates. Initiatives have included continuing education courses as well as the building of a fully-equipped library by the Al Qasimi Foundation.
This year has been declared the Year of Giving for the UAE, marking a renewed focus on the role of charity in society. A holistic approach to giving is now emerging, one that highlights both the societal and personal benefits of giving not only your money but also your time to the causes and people you care about.