Expo 2020 Dubai: GEMS Education plans 9,780 school trips to mega site
UAE’s biggest school group aims for 277,000 student-teacher visitors in six months of Expo
Dubai: GEMS Education’s 43 schools across the UAE are expecting to contribute at least 277,000 student-teacher visits through 9,780 school trips over the next six months of Expo 2020 Dubai, which begins on October 1.
The UAE’s largest school group aims to give each of its 122,000 students from 165 nationalities the opportunity to visit the Expo at no extra cost at least twice (and more in many cases) as part of the school year. The students will be accompanied by more than 16,500 teachers and support staff from 88 nationalities.
Also planned are 450,000 Expo-related lessons in the current academic year, along with 774 activities, competitions and innovative projects covering robotics, artificial intelligence, water sanitisation, climate change, and cultural diversity, among others. All of these have been specifically designed to celebrate the mega event of Expo.
Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, said: “As the UAE and the world are gearing up for Expo 2020 Dubai, GEMS Education is very excited to not only experience, but also contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime World Expo. Our aspirational commitment is to ensure all our students are given every opportunity to take part in the unforgettable educational and inspirational journeys of Expo 2020.”
Free school journeys
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Human Resources and Visitor Experience Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Ever since Expo 2020 Dubai was announced, the Expo School Programme team has been actively engaging the UAE’s educational community to ensure young learners are at the heart of this historic event. Aligned with the UAE’s diverse curricula, we are offering four incredible journeys that are certain to complement a variety of academic subjects with a truly unique, immersive and fun experience. Through our dedicated booking system, all schools can easily book the free school journeys and bring their students on the school trip of a lifetime.”
Aligned with the UAE’s diverse school curricula, the Expo School Programme offers students learning opportunities and access to four immersive journeys designed to tap into their potential and spark their creativity: Legacy of the UAE, World of Opportunities, Sustainable Planet and Universe in Motion.
Proud moment
Aisha Saif Mohammed Jaber Al Tayer, Year 9 student at GEMS Al Barsha National School, said: “Today, I couldn’t be prouder of my country. I am delighted that my peers and I will play our own role in shaping the Expo’s legacy. We pledge to be active participants, performers and innovators, and enjoy this transformative, informative and fun experience of a lifetime, which will enrich our education journey through innovation, technology, architecture, culture and art. This feeling of national pride is mesmerising and will forever be engraved in our minds and hearts.”