Abu Dhabi: Nearly 80 per cent of schools in the emirate of Abu Dhabi evaluate themselves as delivering good quality national identity and culture education, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) announced in a statement sent today (May 31).
This feedback was obtained through a study conducted by the emirate’s education sector regulator, which was followed by a set of school visits to study the issue.
“The survey showed encouraging outcomes: there are no extreme differences between public and private schools in their attempts to implement the Adec’s guidelines on national identity education. All schools have been found to exert effort into enhancing this aspect of learning among both Emirati and expatriate pupils,” said Hamad Al Daheri, director for private schools and quality assurance at the Adec.
The survey data also revealed that approximately 90 per cent of all schools had the right definition of what makes up “a good citizen”, described by schools as an individual with rights and obligations towards self, family, community, emirate, country, Islam and the world.
One of the important recommendations and results of the study was the development of a framework for future teaching of national identity.
This includes understanding the UAE’s history, possessing detailed knowledge of traditional customs and practices, fluency in written and spoken Arabic, pride in national dress, icons and food, an appreciation of the philosophies of the founding fathers, and strong Islamic Studies background. Residents are expected to be knowledgeable regarding the nation’s values and visions, with an understanding of the economy and the opportunities and threats which it presents. They are also expected to understand the concept of citizenship with all its privileges and responsibilities, and to know the UAE’s position in the Arab world.
On the other hand, expatriate residents must be prepared to live in a multicultural society and handle the benefits and challenges involved, as well as practise equality and respect for one another. They should also be able to sing the UAE national anthem.
The strategy also recommends that both Emiratis and expatriates know about the UAE’s environmental and biodiversity issues, its geography, history and future goals, traditions and festivals, arts and crafts.
