His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said that the expectations and
goals contained in the UAE’s development plans and strategies can only be
achieved through the minds and efforts of the country’s children.
This requires ongoing investment to develop the Emirati citizen
and prepare new generations capable of carrying out their duties to their
homeland and nation, to help them realize their aspirations to achieve the
highest levels of overall excellence, he added.
"Our sons and daughters will create the future of our
country and continue its renaissance. We must prepare them to take
responsibility and ensure their success and excellence," he added.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made this statement
while visiting several schools in the Eastern Region, due to his keenness in
monitoring the progress of the country’s education system at the start of the
new school year, as well as inspect the relevant preparations of schools and
authorities.
He highlighted the importance of education as a pillar of the
UAE's development, stating, "Education will enable us to reach the desired
outcomes for the homeland and its glory and advancement can only be realized by
our youth who have the knowledge. Scientists, experts and specialists who are competent
and skillful can achieve what we desire for our country, with the highest levels
of sophistication and excellence."
During his tour, which began at the Al Qudwa Elementary School
and Secondary Education in Kalba, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied
by Jameela Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education, Dr. Ahmad bin
Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and
Advanced Skills, and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director- General of the
Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai.
At the start of his tour, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was keen to meet
the student, Khalifa Abdullah Ali Al Kaabi.
He congratulated Al Kaabi for his courage in rescuing four of
his classmates onboard their school bus, which caught fire on Tuesday on its
way to school.
He described Al Kaabi as a "hero" for saving the lives
of his classmates and an example of redemption and giving and inspected the
facilities of the school and its classrooms.
He also met with teachers who briefed him about their teaching
methods and the tools they use to help students, to enable them to excel in
their studies and motivate them to improve their results.
During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the
importance of improving the educational curriculums used during various
educational stages, in line with global developments, while noting the role of
schools in creating new generations, raising children, and preparing them
scientifically, physically and psychologically.
"School is the starting line of the race to excellence. The
future begins here. We must improve the opening stage to assist those who will
achieve our country’s progress and prosperity," he further added.
He also visited Wadi Al Helou School for Basic Education for
Girls ''Cycle one", where he was received by Amal Al Zaabi, Principal of
the School, who is the mother of Khalifa Al Kaabi.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed congratulated Al Zaabi for the courage of
her son while pointing out that such heroic Emirati models ensure his
confidence in the future, as they will achieve successes through their courage,
sacrifice and redemption.
He then toured the school and was briefed about its educational
process and the support it provides to students. He spoke to several students,
to reassure them on the start of the new school year and motivate them to
continue their studies and achieve their goals.
During his visit, he stressed the need to priorities the mental
and physical health of young children, to ensure their integration in the
education system while highlighting the necessity of promoting sports in
schools and encouraging all students to practice sports.
At the end of his tour, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed called on
Emirates Transport to cooperate with the General Directorate of Civil Defense,
to encourage school bus drivers to join a training programme on fire response
and first aid. He also urged drivers to learn ways of dealing with emergencies
and controlling fires on their buses, to ensure the safety of children and
students.
08/09/2019