The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) announced the launch of the 3rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Reads 2015 campaign which will run until May 28th 2015, during a press conference held at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel today.
During her speech, Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, stressed on the fact that the Abu Dhabi Reads campaign primarily focuses on the importance of reading, and its significant role in forming an individual’s character, which will someday help shape a countries future.
Her Excellency emphasized that ADEC is focusing on the pivotal role of reading in line with the UAE’s prudent and wise leaderships vision to enhance overall education skills among youth, starting with the late UAE President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God rest his soul, who repeatedly stressed on the vital role reading and writing play in driving a knowledge based economy forward.
This vision is being supported under the wise directives and follow up of the UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of ADEC and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
“Introducing reading as part of a young students daily routine not only helps motivate students to want to learn more, it also enhances their knowledge, skills and boosts their self-confidence, while enhancing their imagination and creativity skills, all extremely important traits that will help drive an economy forward,” said Her Excellency.
ADEC aims to achieve top notch efficient learning and teaching results by equipping students of different age groups and academic backgrounds with skills and effective learning tools, notably reading and writing skills in both Arabic and English.
“At ADEC, we are proud of the positive outcomes of the 1st and 2nd Abu Dhabi Reads editions, since figures show that reading rates have increased among students reaching 91 percent for private school students and 85 percent for public school students across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These rates apply to students who practice reading on a daily basis. We aspire this rate to reach 100 percent and for daily reading hours to increase,” said Dr. Al Qubaisi.
Her Excellency added: “The Abu Dhabi Reads campaign not only focuses on strengthening language skills, but also cultural exposure and national identity, which is a shared responsibility between ADEC, teachers, parents and everyone else in the community, who are all encouraged to read and update themselves alongside. This will help develop key skills and capabilities in a child’s character such as the ability for discussion, dialogues, sharing of opinion, writing and learning.”
Dr. Najwa Al Hosani, ADEC’s Curriculum Division Manager, said that the Abu Dhabi Reads initaitive is an opportunity for educators and specialists to develop methodologies, techniques, and skills related to reading.
“This is reflected positively on students and motivates them to read, while helping school directors to create an environment that is attractive for reading and writing, alongside the encouragement and guidance of teachers and parents who play a pivotal role in achieving the campaigns objectives,” said Dr. Al Hosani.
ADEC’s Curriculum Division Manager further added that one of the reasons behind the success of the campaign is that it is directed to students and has been addressed to them in a gradual manner, starting with Cycle 1, and eventually rolled out to Cycles 2 and 3. “A book is a loyal friend that stores information and lives with you; you adapt to each other. It doesn’t recognize age, place, or time. Books are a source of trust, development and education, which is why we must encourage our children to love books from a very early age.”
The 3rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Reads initiative aims to fulfill the needs of students who are motivated to read and write; provide school students with proper skills to choose resources for learning; discover talented and creative students and further enhance their capabilities; engage community members and organizations in addressing the problem of absence of reading in a students’ life, while promoting the usage of libraries and learning resource centers across schools.
“ADEC’s goal is to create a well-informed individual, and ultimately a leader who can efficiently assume a leading role and position in the UAE. We continuously seek for excellence in education, with the aim of improving reading and writing results of Abu Dhabi students on national and international level,” said Dr. Al Qubaisi.
This year’s campaign includes students with special needs who are enrolled across Abu Dhabi’s schools, as part of ADEC’s keenness to provide equal education opportunities for all students across the community, while encouraging students to showcase and develop their talents. Students will join their teachers along with their special and customized tools and devices to help them read.
The 3rd Abu Dhabi Reads campaign includes the Abu Dhabi Reads Award for the first time, which is divided into the “best short story category” and “best innovative strategy” to develop reading skills in Arabic and English. This is part of the Abu Dhabi government’s vision to invest in individuals who are a major pillar in building and developing a society. The award will recognize talented students in writing and innovative educators with strong teaching skills.
