Abu Dhabi: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the US and the UAE to encourage educational cooperation and exchange between the two countries with the aim of developing educational standards across the UAE.
Various members and educational figures from the two countries witnessed the signing of the MoU on Sunday between Dr Hanif Hassan, UAE Minister of Education and Margaret Spellings, US Secretary of Education.
The MoU includes participation between both countries in educational events, workshops, conferences, training opportunities and research.
Strategic plan
"The agreement emphasises our strategic plan and vision in supporting UAE students, schools and partners in the delivery of a world-class educational system by planning, implementing, and monitoring high quality educational standards, policies, programmes, and guidelines.
The UAE's national curriculum, stresses on religious values and national identity as stated by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and their support to education and UAE nationals," said Dr Hassan.
The programmes will help prepare teachers, administrators and other personnel to meet the strategic objectives of the ministry. Several teachers, supervisors and principals have already participated in international conferences in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, France and Britain in order to develop their skills and exchange more of their experiences with their international counterparts.
Leadership
"Their participation has definitely reflected their professional development, raised their knowledge, skills and increased their awareness of international educational and cultural leadership," said Hassan.
Furthermore, Spellings emphasised the importance of the MoU between the two countries: "The agreement consolidates cooperation between the two countries and emphasises similar challenges. We are excited to work together on ... important areas for both of us."
The agreement is effective from the date of signing till 2013, and may be extended and modified in writing as mutually agreed by the parties or their successors at any time.
The UAE and US Ministries of Education will have the primary responsibility of implementing the related MoU. Each party will designate a point of contact responsible for communication and coordination of activities under the provisions of the MoU.
