Qudwa 2019 successfully concluded its third edition by
demonstrating the necessary skills required for improving teaching methods in
the UAE.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the
UAE Armed Forces, and in the presence of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the forum
brought together government ministers, educational stakeholders and
decision-makers to discuss the best global practices and techniques required
for teachers to move away from traditional methods in a rapidly changing world.
Addressing teachers from across all seven emirates, Sheikh
Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance; Hussain Ibrahim al
Hammadi, Minister of Education; Noura bint Mohammed al Kaabi, Minister of
Culture and Knowledge Development; and Jameela Al Muhairi, Minister of State
for Public Education, stressed the importance of encouraging ethical values
that lead to tolerance and cultural diversity within the nation’s classrooms.
"The UAE recognises that spreading the culture of tolerance
and human brotherhood in the country and the world is not achieved
automatically, but must be nurtured through continued work. The role of
education in developing tolerant societal behaviour and respect for others will
ultimately prevent younger people from being attracted to violence, extremism
or anti-social behaviour," said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak.
Commenting on the need for cultural diversity within the UAE
society, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi noted, "In addition to tolerance and
cultural diversity, we encourage teachers to change the mindset of students to
think critically. This can be transitioned by teachers cultivating an
environment that teaches creativity, where students are encouraged to focus on
asking the right questions to gain knowledge. We need to be able to celebrate
students not knowing the answers at all times, and understanding that there are
no wrong answers to any questions asked."
The event also saw the winner of the Mohammed bin Zayed Award
for Best GCC Teacher, which recognises outstanding teachers from the GCC as a
tribute to their dedication and achievements in the field of education. This
year, Laila Obaid Salem Mutawa Al Yamahi, an Arabic teacher at the Murbeh
Secondary School in Fujairah, received the award.