Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Educational Council on Sunday launched a pilot programme for private sector involvement in the management of 30 government schools.
Four private educational companies that run a number of schools in the emirate are in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.
The four firms have been chosen to support 30 government schools (kindergarten and primary school) in the project.
The schools are located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
The four companies are The Centre for British Teachers (CfBT), Nord-Anglia PLC, Intered-SABIS and Mosaica.
Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, signed the partnership agreement with the four companies. Directors of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region educational zones were present.
Dr Hassan said the partnership project, which will start in September, aims at improving the quality of public education in Abu Dhabi.
"It will strengthen the government school system and will use the expertise of the private sector to help build a world-class education system which will serve the modern needs of the country," he said.
"It will help increase student achievement and the overall quality of education, increase parent and community involvement in public education," he said.
Dr Hassan said the project will also strengthen the role of nationals in teaching and administration of public education, in addition to preserving and promoting national heritage and culture.
The 30 schools will be provided with Curriculum-Coordination, specialised trainers in all fields.
More funds for project
The Abu Dhabi Educational Council (Adec) will provide additional funding to the project apart from the annual government outlay.
The administrative, educational and supervising departments will undergo training programmes to ensure proper execution of the project. A panel will be set up to follow up the agreement and give reports to the Adec.
