Private schools in Dubai have learned more about the first World Expo in this region and what it means to schools and students in the UAE.
Showcasing opportunities during the ‘What Works: Our Journey to Expo 2020’ – more than 550 teachers came together at the forum hosted at Emirates Aviation University which was also attended by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
Sharing ideas to collaborate and learn from each other, every What Works event provides a platform for teachers to share best practices. The event series is supported by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and focuses on spreading positive education practices in schools.
As an Official Supporter of Expo 2020 Dubai, KHDA is one of several organisations in the UAE that are extending their support to Expo 2020 and its youth engagement initiative Youth Connect, by providing platforms such as What Works, for Expo to engage and inspire teachers across Dubai. Participants attended 43 interactive sessions and exhibits at the event.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA said, “Our schools are a reflection of the diversity of Dubai and we bring together schools offering 17 different curricula. This represents an opportunity to create new partnerships that can strengthen our position as a regional hub for positive education. By working together, our schools are united in their journey towards achieving future national goals.”
Dr Abdulla pointed out that the event creates a culture of happiness by providing an interactive platform that brings together people from different educational settings with a common goal to make education better for all.
He added, “Technology is not just going to lead us into futuristic schools with artificial intelligence and disruptive ideas but it will also compel us to look at new ways to drive positive values such as tolerance, giving and empathy in young learners.”
Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice President of Legacy Development and Impact at Expo 2020 Dubai, who provided opening remarks at the What Works event, said, “It was a great opportunity for Expo’s Youth Connect team to engage with and hear directly from teachers and principals about their thoughts on Expo 2020 and how Expo can contribute to schools in th
e UAE and help broaden our students’ horizons.
“Educators in the UAE and authorities such as KHDA play a pivotal role in ensuring that our youth are at the heart of the making of an exceptional World Expo and meaningful legacy. We look forward to welcoming them on our journey to 2020.”
During the past five years, Dubai has hosted 27 What Works events featuring 700 talks by international and local experts.
For more information about What Works visit www.whatworks.ae
