Building the blocks of education, step by step

Abu Dhabi:  With plans to maintain and improve existing schools and build new ones, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has prepared three different school designs that will be displayed for the first time in an upcoming exhibition.

ADEC will take part in a two-day exhibition known as Building Schools Exhibition & Conference — Middle East and North Africa (BSEC MENA) along with other exhibitors arriving from different parts of the Middle East.

"With 30 new public schools due to be built in the next three years, it is important to standardise an appropriate school design for students. For that reason, ADEC has proposed three different designs for future schools, but are open to more ideas and opinions during the exhibition," Hamad Ali Al Daheri, manager, Infrastructure & Facilities, at ADEC told Gulf News.

The BSEC originated in the UK five years ago and has since expanded to include the MENA region. The exhibition will take place for the first time in the Middle East at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on December 13 and 14.

"After a critical examination of our education system, we have committed to making big changes. The changes we make today will set the foundation for the future careers of our young people and the success of our economy," said Salem Al Sayeri, executive director of Support Services at the ADEC yesterday. As part of ADEC's 10-year strategic plan, an announcement and a signing ceremony regarding increasing the number of schools built and renovating existing ones will also take place during the exhibition.

Opinion leaders and decision makers from Saudi Arabia, UK, Egypt and Qatar have already confirmed their attendance.

"A strong international line up of delegates means there will be strong discussion about the design and construction of schools. The core part of ADEC's plan is to provide students with better learning environments," said Al Sayeri.

An award will also be given by ADEC to the winning designs submitted by students who contributed to the development of different school designs.