Abu Dhabi launches moral education pilot project in 19 schools

Initiative is the first of its kind in the region; aims to promote ethics, values of tolerance, respect, national loyalty.

Abu Dhabi has launched the pilot phase of moral education into the school curriculum, after introducing the new subject in 19 public and private schools nationwide.

Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has started the pilot following the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, news agency WAM reported.

The initiative is the first of its kind in the region and aims to promote ethics, values of tolerance, respect, national loyalty and personal and community growth, culture and heritage, sustainability, civic education, and rights and responsibilities.

Completing preparations for the pilot phase, the council organised a training programme for 25 teachers from nine schools in co-operation with the Crown Prince Court.

The introduction of moral education is in line with the vision of the UAE leadership for building the character of citizens who are proud of their identity and ethics, said Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, director general of ADEC.

He said teachers can play a great role to shape the personalities of students and increase their awareness about national and security-related issues.

Dr Karima Al Mazroui, ADEC’s acting executive director for schools, said the new subject would help students form a “wholesome personality”.

Moral education will be taught in Arabic at public schools and in English in private foreign schools, she said.

She added that the focus would be on its practical aspects, comprising projects and community service.

The initiative seeks to promote tolerance, mutual respect, pro-active behaviour, community engagement and positive interaction among students.