Library on Wheels

ADEK

ADEK’S LIBRARY ON WHEELS TO CONTINUE AS ‘ABU DHABI READS’ DRIVES UP LITERATURE DEMAND

The unique, community-centric ‘Library on Wheels’ initiative operated by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is on a year-long tour of the emirate following a series of immensely successful pop-ups at schools and key locations in Abu Dhabi city during March as part of the ‘Abu Dhabi Reads’ programme.

Part of the fifth national ‘UAE Reads’ campaign, ‘Abu Dhabi Reads 2022’ directly engaged more than 30,000 readers across the Abu Dhabi community, with over 27,000 attending weekend literature-themed events at Umm Al Emarat Park, and over 3,000 readers swapping old books for new ones at the month-long schedule of ‘Library on Wheels’ pop-ups. “In perfect alignment with ADEK’s strategy of promoting a daily reading culture and contributing to the UAE National Reading Agenda, the excellent response to this year’s Abu Dhabi Reads initiative has unearthed a healthy and highly encouraging appetite for more communitywide opportunities to engage with literature,” said His Excellency Amer Al Hammadi, ADEK Undersecretary.

The month-long campaign engaged over 30,000 as ADEK promotes reading culture

NEW VISA SPONSORSHIP RULES AN ENORMOUS RELIEF FOR PARENTS

New rules in the UAE have delighted parents by allowing them to sponsor male children until they reach the age of 25. Whether travelling as students or tourists, the UAE’s new visa policy allows parents to cut costs and relieve stress. Unmarried daughters are unaffected by the new rule because they can continue to be sponsored by their parents indefinitely. The amendment was one of several new visa rules authorised by the UAE Cabinet. Previously, parents could only sponsor their sons until they turned 18, after which they could renew for another three years if they were enrolled in a university. Students used to have to purchase a university’s visa sponsorship if they wanted to study in the UAE, whilst students studying overseas would return on visit visas to see their families. Because it provides flexibility, this new visa rule will have a considerable influence on parents and students. Students won’t have to worry about obtaining a student visa once they graduate, and they’ll be able to enrol in university without undue worry. Parents will save money and time by not having to apply for student visas. For all three stakeholders – parents, students, and universities – it’s a win-win situation.

Students used to have to purchase a university’s visa sponsorship if they wanted to study in the UAE THE DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM BOOK LAUNCH

For many educators, digital learning and all that it encompasses has been a pandemic-driven need, something that pre-pandemic was a luxury and not a necessity.

For Philippa Wraithmell, an author and educator in the Middle East, who specialises in digital education strategy, this has been something that has been a long time in the making.

Currently, some schools are developing and designing a vast array of structural needs that are detailed and intricate. A number of others have been ad-hoc grasping at individual elements, which have some benefit to the outcomes of the learning environment, but very few have truly embraced the detail that is needed to develop sustainable digital ecosystems.

But where should educators and leaders start? This problem was identified by Philippa over the past six years as she embraced the support of educators globally, drawing on a range of experiences across many schools to support the development of the schools she worked in and with. No school has it 100% right and one reflection of her book is the awareness of there being no one size fits all.

The Digital Ecosystem takes the broad sections of education’s digital needs and breaks them down, supporting leaders to pinpoint their next steps.

Philippa’s book will be launching on 3 June 2022, at The Arbor School in Dubai, based within the geodesic domes, a metaphor of education structures that runs through her book. Philippa and guest speakers will be sharing ideas on digital strategy, safeguarding, leadership and pedagogy. As educators we empower one another, which is exactly what The Digital Ecosystem is designed to do, support everyone to understand the deep need to effectively embed digital systems into our schools. Join Philippa and others to discuss the bigger picture of education and how you can sustainably help your school to get there.

Date and time:

3 June 4pm – 6pm The Arbor School, Dubai

Attendees will get;

 a signed book  networking opportunities (marketing free – there won’t be sponsors or anything like this so it really is educator to educator )  five high-level speakers from the UK and the Middle East presenting focus areas from the book  food and soft beverages

SIGN UP FOR THE BOOK LAUNCH HERE

SPEA

SHARJAH PRIVATE EDUCATION AUTHORITY LAUNCHES ITS STRATEGY 2022-2024

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has launched its Strategy 2022-2024 in line with its ongoing commitment to improve the quality, efficiency, and excellence of the private education system in the Emirate of Sharjah. The new strategy aims to enhance the teaching environment in the emirate and drive effective educational outcomes. This is in line with the latest global trends and the vision of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah concerning education and human development, as well as the direction of Sharjah.

The comprehensive strategy focuses on various elements of the private education system in the emirate, including educational institutions, schools, kindergartens, training institutes, teachers, parents, and all recipients and beneficiaries of private education. It also outlines a roadmap for educational institutions and other entities associated with the SPEA - joining hands with strategic partners and stakeholders to develop an integrated vision to improve the governance and efficiency of education.

Furthermore, the strategy seeks to lay the foundations for a more stimulating and engaging learning environment, establish a culture of innovation in teaching, develop a new generation of institutional leaders, and equip students with more competitive skills to meet the needs and requirements of the modern workforce.

KAPES: Changing Children’s Lives in Kenya

THE TERM ‘SUSTAINABLE’ HAS BEEN BANDIED ABOUT CONSIDERABLY IN RECENT YEARS, PARTICULARLY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY. BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SUSTAINABLE AND HOW CAN SUSTAINABILITY BENEFIT OUR CHILDREN? TO FIND OUT MORE, EDUCATION UAE TRAVELLED TO KENYA WITH MATTHEW BENJAMIN, FOUNDER AND CEO OF KAPES, A COMPANY EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION TO TELL ITS SUSTAINABLE STORY EACH TIME THEY PUT THEIR SCHOOL UNIFORMS ON.

 Matthew Benjamin, Founder and CEO of Kapes

 Matthew with some of the students who have already benefitted from the scheme

Matthew’s background is in fashion and textiles and, having gained extensive experience working for one of the world’s largest clothing companies in both Dubai and London, set up his own bespoke menswear enterprise, with sustainability

 Students being taught about sustainability at WildLife Works

being at the heart of its business ethos. “But as I became more passionate about sustainability and how fashion can be used to help fight the climate crisis, it just wasn’t enough,” Matthew explains. “When you’re dealing with bespoke menswear, which is pretty highly-priced, you’re working with only the top 5% of customers. And it’s only men. So whatever you do with sustainability,

 Brett Girven, Principal and Andres Floden at Arbor School with Matthew at Wildlife Works, Kenya

the impact is going to be limited.” Nevertheless, this was a great introduction to eco-friendly clothing, with Matthew looking at materials such as organic cotton, organic wool and organic silk, which ultimately led him to launch Kapes. “Then I started to look at school uniforms, which are inherently poor at the moment, including many issues that are commonplace in the

The Sustainability Accelerator will be like a business accelerator, taking schools from A to Z as quickly as possible

Andres Floden, Head of Operations at Arbor School with Matthew at Wildlife Works, Kenya  Seedlings are grown in the nursery and given to the local communities free to plant.

fashion industry, which is responsible for substantial global emissions and use tonnes of toxic chemicals.”

It is, indeed, not a pretty picture, exacerbated by the fact that kids grow so quickly and, because most school uniforms are made of polyester or other synthetics, they are not recycled and end up in landfill. Moreover, the consumer has no idea whether workers are being paid or treated fairly. “So you had all of these issues,” Matthew continues, “and this was the kind of problem that I wanted to solve. Consequently, what we now do at Kapes is to help schools not only reduce their environmental impact but have a positive environmental and social impact too.”

TREATING WORKERS FAIRLY

The vision at Kapes has continued to grow and expand in many aspects. “Firstly, the company uses materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester,” Matthew says, “although we continue to look at improving that side of things, as recycled polyester, for us, is still too impactful.

“We also work with ethical workshops and ensure that the workers are paid and treated fairly. To ensure this, they are audited by ethical organisations. We also work with a 3rd party that calculates the impact that producing our products has, allowing us to determine what we have to do to offset that impact.

“Last but not least, for every child that we sell a uniform to, we provide a free uniform to a child in need. What’s more, we make those uniforms in a developing community to support that community.”

Kapes is also soon to be involved in Impact Auditing and Reporting, which can be extremely educational for students, as Matthew explains: “Impact Auditing and Reporting is where we’ll go into a school and work with students to calculate the impact of school uniforms. And then that leads on to carbon offsetting.

However, we also realise that it’s difficult in some instances for schools to offset their impact, mainly because the offset market is a very challenging one. There are lots of offset projects that don’t actually have a real positive impact. They sort of exist in name only. So it’s fraught with problems. So what we want to do is allow and enable schools to offset their impact, but do it in a way that verifies where carbon credits are going to have a positive impact. That’s why we are creating a Carbon Offset Fund for schools and work with Wildlife Works REDD+ projects.”

Kapes is seeking schools to work in the UAE that align with its own values

Most school uniforms are not recycled and end up in landfill

REDD+ projects help to protect trees, forests and wildlife by providing sustainable job opportunities and education. This means that the local community does not have to resort to poaching animals or cutting down trees to make charcoal in order to make a living. And to join all of the dots, from September 2022 Kapes will be providing eco trips for schools so that students can see carbon offset projects for themselves. “This gives students a real connection,” Matthew says, “allowing them to see how school uniforms can have a positive environmental and social impact.” There are virtual workshops too, which empower children to be change-makers.

Kirigu Primary School is the first school that Kapes is working with in Kenya, though it will work with many others. “In Kenya, you can’t go to school without a school uniform, it’s a legal requirement,” Matthew begins. “So for students or families that cannot afford uniforms, they don’t receive an education, and for those that do have uniforms, there is a necessity to wear them for several years. Therefore uniforms become too small and uncomfortable. They’re in tatters. That doesn’t do anything for children in terms of their confidence, their self-esteem or focus in class.

“So the benefits of providing these uniforms are that they reduce absenteeism and give children more confidence, lets them know that they’re valued. It makes them stand up a bit taller and therefore helps them to learn.”

“We’ve spoken to many children and their parents who say that it really does have a positive impact,” Matthew says. “And that’s the connection between a parent in the UAE, who purchases a uniform for their child and, in effect, gifts a uniform that then impacts a child thousands of miles away. “The additional impact comes from making these uniforms at Wildlife Works and offsetting the carbon footprint of each product we sell by purchasing carbon credits, with part of the profit going towards projects in the local community, such as building schools, maintaining schools, educating farmers on how to farm crops that are

We also work with ethical workshops and ensure that the workers are paid and treated fairly”

going to provide a better yield, and crops that don’t attract elephants, for example, thus reducing animal-human conflict.”

LAUNCH OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ACCELERATOR

Kapes is seeking schools to work with globally that align with its own values; schools that do not see this as just another commercial opportunity. Of course, it does have a commercial aspect, as it can improve the schools brand and hopefully, it attracts more parents to the school, but primarily it’s about sustainable practices and processes that support environmental, ethical and economic wellbeing.

It’s also about the size of the school. “It’s important that we work with larger schools,” Matthew says. “We’re talking at least 500 students, but typically more than that. We want to work with schools over a long period and see it as a partnership. Importantly, we want to work with schools that are really committed to that sustainability journey, so that they can then impart these values to their students. Currently, we are working with The Arbor School and Fairgreen International, where it’s not just about selling uniforms. It’s about educating the students and the community about the impact that these actions have.”

With this in mind, Kapes will be launching a ‘School Uniforms Sustainability Accelerator’ in September of this year. Matthew explains: “The reason we’ve launched this is that we realised over the past year that this is a massive education gap, with schools not really knowing what the environmental impact is when it comes to uniforms, and we have a very limited time to address climate change.

“So to enable schools to speed through that process, the accelerator program will be like a business accelerator, taking schools from A to Z as quickly as possible. For those accepted into the program, this does not only mean sustainable school uniforms – we want sustainability integrated across the whole school community, and will provide virtual workshops for staff and students, webinars with sustainability experts, impact auditing and reporting, enrolment in the Carbon Offset Fund, and benefits with our partners.

 Wildlife Works makes the uniforms

for students in Kenya in a sustainable way whilst also offering Carbon

Offset initiatives and supporting the local community and environment

All schools interested are encouraged to pre-register now by emailing accelerator@kapes.co.

“From September, we’ll be accepting applications, we will start interviewing schools in November and then in January 2023, the programme will start. From the applications that we expect to receive, we will be choosing roughly 10% of schools. It will mean the school setting up a Sustainability Committee that we work with in partnership to master 4 fundamentals that include Materials and Manufacturing, Impact and Offsetting, Circularity, and Education (MICE). We will evaluate the materials that they’ve used in the past and look at the materials that we’re going to use in the future. We next calculate the savings and determine how the impact can be offset, develop ways to encourage the reuse and recycling of used uniforms, and collaborate with the committee to communicate this information to the school community.

“But then, for schools that do not necessarily fit into those requirements or are unable to change suppliers because of contractual reasons, we have a range of other services and products that we offer to start the sustainability journey for that school.”

KAPES

VISIT WEBSITE

JINS Ghoroob Nursery has been designed by JINS’ master educators and world-renowned architects

DR ABDULLA KARAM INAUGURATES REVOLUTIONARY NURSERY

His Excellency Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of Knowledge, and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Mrs Mankani, Founder of Fortes Education, have officially opened Jumeirah International Nurseries’ (JINS) brand-new nursery concept in Ghoroob, Mirdif.

The fifth branch from the family of award-winning nurseries located across Dubai, JINS Ghoroob Nursery has been designed by JINS’ master educators and world-renowned architects and provides children aged 0 to 5 years old with an unparalleled learning experience. The brand new ‘Learning Pod’ concept is the first of its kind in the Middle East and places JINS at the forefront of Early Years education by transforming the way children learn.

Dr Karam, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Nursery, went on a guided tour of the unique Learning Pod environments, consisting of the seven areas of development in the British Early Years Curriculum. JINS’ unique ‘Learning Pod’ approach stimulates and allows children to explore in a completely transformational and future-ready way. The learning spaces are further supplemented with a focus on wellbeing, especially in the ‘Wellbeing Pod’ and exploratory concepts of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).

Families who are interested in learning more about this forward-thinking and state-of-the-art nursery, the admissions process, and to book a tour, can contact the JINS team on +971 4 28 29 0 or apply at www. applynow.jinspire.com

JUMERIAH INTERNATIONAL NURSERIES

 +971 4 282 2890

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IDEACRATE OPENS NEW ORANGE WHEELS CAMPUS AT DUBAI SILICON OASIS

Orange Wheels, a flagship brand of IdeaCrate Edutainment Company, opened its latest edutainment centre at Dubai Silicon Oasis. This is the second location of Orange Wheels in Dubai and the fourth in the UAE.

Orange Wheels is a unique one-stop edutainment destination for children, aged six months to eight years, and is set up in a creative, nature-centric and innovative environment.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Shifa Yusuffali, CEO of IdeaCrate Edutainment Company, said: “This is yet another step to provide wholesome education to the young and curious minds. With the motto ‘Play, Discover, Create’, Orange Wheels offers a safe, clean, fun, and nurturing environment for children to enjoy unrestrained playtime with immersive activities. “The evolutionary concept aims at the overall development of kids through a series of activities like games, music, dance, arts and craft. Our focus is on providing a stimulating space for children to explore their creative and fun side.”

Orange Wheels seeks to create memorable experiences for children and parents in their preferred happy place. From themed arts and crafts, a thrilling soft play area, interactive cooking stations and an outdoor waterplay space, Orange Wheels’ hands-on activity programmes are designed to promote development, excellence, and entertainment in a thoroughly safe environment. The play centre offers a wide range of stimulating sensory activities, arts, and craft stations as well as pretend play areas.

“We also offer themed parties at our dedicated private party room allowing our guests to choose their desired themes and packages. The team is experienced in planning and hosting birthday parties, with creative themes and flexible packages. We make the children’s party a seamless event, filled with fun and memories to treasure forever. It is an ideal place for children to build confidence and express their individuality. The play centre also hosts themed events from coffee mornings to play dates that allow moms and dads to meet and bond with a community of parents in a friendly, informal setting,” explained Ms Shifa.

With a space for the children to express their talents in their own way, Orange Wheels encourages children to play and learn in an activity-oriented environment guided by trainers from around the world.

Founded in 2015, IdeaCrate Edutainment Company is the brainchild of Ms Shifa Yusuffali. Through its edutainment brands Orange Wheels, Orange Hub, and Orange Seeds Nursery, IdeaCrate offers unparalleled experiences facilitated by active sensory learning and state-of-the-art indoor family entertainment centres in the UAE. The vision of IdeaCrate is to achieve excellence and set a benchmark in the global edutainment and early years education space.

The play centre also hosts themed events from coffee mornings to play dates Orange Wheels seeks to create memorable experiences for children and parents

IDEACRATE

 +971 2 305 1500

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