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Children aged Four to Six years Given Lessons about Environmental Best Practices

Imdaad initiates Be’ati School Program at School of Research Sciences
Dubai, UAE, June 23, 2014 – Imdaad, a leading provider of integrated facilities management (FM) solutions in the GCC, recently implemented its Be’ati School Program–a Green campaign targeting school children with an aim to inculcate the importance of a sustainable environment, at the School of Research Sciences, a leading Dubai-based school established to fulfill the educational needs of ambitious children. Under the program, the FM company will demonstrate the benefits of a green living for a healthy present and a better future to students between the age of four and six years. The highly successful campaign has been rolled out earlier in other schools.

Be’ati School Program is in line with Imdaad’s policy to take its expertise and leading position in areas of environment and recycling operations to grass root level in order to make a bigger impact on the society. Deeply committed to its meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, Imdaad targets school students so that the message spreads at a quick pace, not only among young children but also within their families and the community. The program works on the principle that educating school children and making them active partners in the campaign will make them responsible for the protection of the environment.
Jamal Abdullah Lootah, CEO, Imdaad, said: “As responsible citizens, each one of us has a social commitment to protect our environment so that we can hand over a beautiful tomorrow to our coming generations. Teaching children about green environment and eco-friendly practices is an assurance that they will cultivate a healthy habit at a tender age and observe it lifelong.  Imdaad has always lead by example and the Be’ati initiative reaffirms this commitment in helping to protect and conserve the environment and promote sustainable practices. We thank the School of Research Sciences in partnering with us in our latest campaign and giving us an opportunity to reach out to school children for the success of our drive.”
Imdaad introduced its flagship CSR program – Be’ati which means ‘My Environment’ – in 2009 to spread awareness among school children about environmental concerns and the importance of recycling waste. Be’ati is committed to making children active partners in campaigns held to protect the environment. As part of the initiative, quizzes, short films and competitions are being organized in schools across the country.
The School Of Research Science, on the other hand, is playing an active role in empowering its students with knowledge, skills and attitudes. This empowerment will enable them to become national and global citizens and leaders of the future equipped to demonstrate environmental, economic and civic understanding at all levels.
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British Orchard Nursery conferred CSR certificate by Emirates Red Crescent and Ministry of Social Affairs

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: British Orchard Nursery, UAE’s largest and first ISO certified nursery chain in the UAE strongly believes in social responsibility and is a part of many CSR (Corporate Social responsibility) activities. Recently the school has won the Total Quality Management award under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed, which is also in line with the nursery’s corporate philosophy on quality. BON believes in solidarity and human rights along with its many values of Respect and Integrity Equality and Diversity, Rights and Responsibilities, Structure and Innovation.
British Orchard Nursery participated in the EMIRATES RED CRESCENT venture with Ministry of Social Affairs for donating to the affected society in Syria. RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES provided logistic support for this trouble hit country in the most challenging circumstances through its Dubai based hub, which is part of the International Humanitarian City of Dubai greatly supported by UAE government.

BON’s family of teachers, children and parents contribute to society regularly and take part in various projects like supporting Emirates Environment Group, Walk the Distance, Protecting the environment, DUBAI CARES, Rashid Pediatric Center, Al Noor etc. BON has made an effort to reach out to parents and staff by collection of donations in provisions such as blankets, clothes, and candles for the victims in the Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. BON also supported those devastated by the storm through the “Fils for Food”, where the students learned the importance of community responsibility. BON follows the “Go Green” campaign by strongly believing in recycling, less use of paper, electricity and water consumption.

BON’s values are embodied in the philosophy of “Feeding children through education”. BON believes that “Education nurtures Education” and provides food, shelter and clothing annually to a child for every child’s fee it receives.

Ms. Vandana Gandhi – Founder and CEO of British Orchard Nursery receiving the certificate from Ministry of Social Affairs and Red Crescent – UAE, 

BON’s mission is “Sowing Seeds of Success”.  BON also has an objective of donating a fixed percentage of its revenues towards CSR activities. British Orchard Nursery takes pride in supporting various charitable organizations.

While receiving the certificate from Ministry of Social Affairs and Red Crescent – UAE, Ms. Vandana Gandhi – Founder and CEO of British Orchard Nursery, stated that BON will continue its participation and follow its objective of donating a percentage of its revenues towards charity for the under privileged ones.  She further expressed concern for the situation in SYRIA and specifically children of that region suffering far from any shelter, food and education.  Ms. Vandana Gandhi, expressing her gratitude towards EMIRATES RED CRESCENT said, “The work done by EMIRATES RED CRESCENT is commendable and we are proud to associate with the government and the great leaders of UAE who believe in community help, charity and support the society. We, living in the UAE respect the government’s vision and do our best to be socially responsible. 

About British Orchard Nursery:

British Orchard Nursery has pioneered the concept of corporate franchising by forming partnerships with many companies and government institutions in the UAE which includes Dubai Municipality, RTA, DEWA, Dubai Women’s College and ADCO. This is in line with British Orchard Nursery’s corporate philosophy to reach out and provide quality preschool education and day care facilities to children of Emirati working mothers to their door step. 

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Ministry of Education’s Social Media Sites Log Interactions with 26,000 Students and 40,000 Parents and Specialists

UAE, June 19, 2014 – More than 26,000, 12th grade students – nearly 70 percent of the total student candidates for the final high school exams – interacted on the social networking sites of the UAE Ministry of Education, During their first three days of exams, the young respondents actively answered an official Ministry questionnaire aimed at achieving overall satisfaction in the conduct of exams and the performance of examinees. The questionnaire, which also sought to obtain various observations and opinions from students, was posted on the Ministry’s Twitter and Facebook sites.

Official statistics also showed that over 40,000 parents and education specialists engaged with the Ministry’s media sites on a daily basis. From the start of the final exams for the third semester until the present, this particular group has kept pace with breaking news and information related to the examinations and disciplines. They also read through tips and guidance for students as well as other pedagogical subjects.
 

UAE Ministry of Education Facebook page.

The Ministry has provided unique ‘smart’ and electronic services before and during examination days targeted at all students but with a particular focus on 12th– graders. It has offered various forms of electronic training for all subjects to prepare students well for their exams. Telephone hotlines have also been made available in educational zones to respond to student inquiries as well as media questions related to the evaluation and administration of exams. The hotlines can also provide information on any comments received by the Ministry from media.

In return for the unique services it provides and its commitment to quality standards, the Ministry has asked 12th-grade students to answer a set of open questions posted on its Twitter and Facebook accounts. Respondents were requested to comment on the extent to which the exam considers individual differences, the time allotted to answer and review each exam item, their personal evaluation of the general environment provided by schools during exams, and the role of parents in motivating students to achieve success and excellence. Student expectations on results and success rates were asked as well.
Students expressed their satisfaction over the general atmosphere provided by the exams committees at schools. They also confirmed the Ministry’s success in ensuring that exam questions are clear – whether in terms of language or formulation – and consider individual differences. Other groups of students commented on how the examination dates coincided with the World Cup games.
Some humorous statements from students reflected their passion for sports and football, saying how they preferred to postpone exams and watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup matches instead. Other more serious comments showed the eagerness of students to take advantage of every minute for the final review and their expectations of excellent exam results.
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H.E. Humaid Al Qatami visits Dubai Schools to Inspect on Examination Procedures and Facilities

UAE Minister of Education stresses on importance of preparing for the future of today’s students by instilling more awareness on excellence and creativity
UAE, June 16, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, Minister of the UAE Ministry of Education stressed on the importance of instilling today’s students with more awareness on the importance of excellence and creativity – key foundations in preparing them for their future – during his recent visit to various schools in Dubai to inspect examination procedures and facilities allotted for students. Minister Al Qatami pointed out the significance of implementing thorough examination procedures along with the development of efficient examination papers, which has greatly helped in the ministry’s objective of identifying learning levels of each student and the skills that they have acquired. The administered examinations are used as key index points in evaluating the education process and interaction of each student from a classroom level.

 H.E. Humaid Mohammad Al Qatami, Minister of the UAE Ministry of Education  – visiting school.

Minister Al Qatami lauded the ministry’s various departments, educational zones and the administrative officials of schools for their efforts in providing students with rooms that are conducive to executing the examinations for students. Moreover, he urged the students to continue with the drive to achieve success and practice a culture of excellence—adhering to the set curriculum and training programs offered by the MoE. He also reminded students to use only accredited and recognized literary materials in studying, particularly in preparation for their examinations.

H.E. Humaid Al Qatami visits Dubai school

Minister Al Qatami was accompanied by Mouna Ahmed, Deputy Manager of the Dubai Educational Zone during his visit to schools in the emirate, which included the Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls, the Al Maaref High School for Boys and the Sukaina Bint Hussein School for Girls. The minister was given a briefing on exam procedures and how the three schools will be administering the examinations. The Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls will also serve as an examination venue for students of Al Alam Al Jadeed School, while Al Maaref High School for Boys will serve as the examination venue for students from Al Ahlia School and Al Thuraya School.

On hand to meet Minister Al Qatami during the inspection were, school principals Salama Bu Shibab, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein School for Girls; Mohammed Al Mass, Al Maaref High School for Boys and Sharifa Azzam, Sukaina Bint Hussein School for Girls. The MoE minister noticed that the students taking the examinations this year looked more determined and performed comfortably when moving from one question to another. 
A total of 37,000 high school students took their Physics and History examinations for the third trimester on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Looking to inspire the students before the actual examinations, Minister Al Qatami talked about the future, including the scientific disciplines required for sustainable development and the importance of success and excellence. He further encouraged them to use their talents and capabilities and to work hard to achieve a better future for them and for their country as they contribute in its growth and prosperity.
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Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program wins World Summit Award in Geneva

Ministry of Education says feat is an unprecedented international achievement
UAE, June 11, 2014 – The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, which aims to launch ‘smart classes’ in public schools in line with UAE Vision 2021, has won a World Summit Award during the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, which is being held under the patronage of the UN International Telecommunication Union. The program won recently in the team work category of the Government Excellence Award.

The program’s success was highlighted in international reports of major technological institutions that were published earlier this year during the Education World Forum in London. Reports made by leading technology and software companies Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Samsung showed that it is the first program applied comprehensively in schools based on the evaluation system and international measuring indexes. They said the UAE is the only country among 11 advanced states in the world that considers ‘smart learning’ as part of its national vision and move towards economic development.
The Smart Learning Program is created by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in mid-April 2012. It is considered as one of the unprecedented programs of development in the region. The program was implemented by 14 schools last year and 123 schools this year in different educational zones. Its successful implementation had encouraged leading computer and software companies such as Samsung, HP and Microsoft to form strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Education. The project is implemented by The Ministry of Education and supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program is the future of UAE’s education sector. It has been recognized at the Education World Forum in London as highly valuable. All other countries in the world should follow this achievement and benefit from its approach and goals. The success of this program reflects the strong commitment of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the members of the Federal Supreme Council,” he said.
“After winning the Government Excellence Award, the program became an international success thanks to the ongoing efforts and hard work of all teams in terms of planning and implementation. The teams are composed of directors of educational zones, school principals, supervisors, and teachers. Both parents and students are also supporting the program’s main objective to position the UAE as the leading country in providing excellent modern education,” he added.
H.E. Al Qatami said the Ministry of Education appreciates the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s strong support as it provides telecommunications sector development fund. He noted that it plays a significant role in the education system.
The awarding ceremony of the World Summit Award was attended by H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim, Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, H.E. Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Telecommunications and Information Technology Fund, Hamad Al Mansouri, Deputy Director-General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority,
Mohammed Gheyath, Director General of Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, and Rashid Bin Lahej, Director General of Abu Dhabi systems and Information Center. 
Mohammed Gheyath said: “The success achieved by the program in a short time is inspiring. The program management, team, and all officials are determined to further improve the program by exerting all efforts to attain our goals. The program will be implemented based on high standard mechanisms to achieve all the objectives.” 
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UAE Minister of Education Calls on Private Schools to Exert more Effort in Promoting Local Values and Traditions

UAE, June 8, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, has called on the private schools across all levels to exert more efforts in the move to promote UAE’s values and traditions in their respective communities. Al Qutami stressed the need to inculcate and educate the students about local traditions by integrating these values into the administrative procedures and celebratory events such as graduation ceremonies.

H.E. Al Qatami added that the Ministry of Education recognizes the private education sector as the government’s strategic partner in this endeavor. At the same time, he underscored the need for the entire education sector, including schools, to comply with all learning assets, concepts and principles that promote UAE’s development, heritage, and rich culture. He said the existing systems and processes must not compromise the values that should be taught to the youth.
Further, he said the ministry, through its designated and specialized management, will closely monitor any deviation from the country’s traditions and violations of the rules and regulations governing the school communities. He said the ministry will not tolerate any violation and it will apply the law and implementing regulations as necessary. Meanwhile, the ministry also extended their congratulations to this year’s batch of graduating students.
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Ministry of Education Honours the Winners of the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence 2014

UAE, June 4, 2014 – H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education, affirmed the ministry’s continuing role in the development of the local educational system, abiding by the request of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the Supreme Council Members and rulers of the Emirates.

The statement of support was part of H.E. Al Qatami’s speech delivered during a ceremony honoring the winners of the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence 2014, which was organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), sponsored by DU Telcom and evaluated by Dubai Quality Group. During his speech, he also announced the new categories with a special program aimed at spreading the culture of quality and excellence among students. The program is also meant to motivate them to always aim for the top by giving their best in every endeavor.
H.E. Al Qatami said: “The initiative made by the Ministry of Education in its pursuit of development is a direct result of collective teamwork, creative thinking, and consistent efforts, while the achievements given by the Ministry to provide the best possible education and a good school role model is the direct result of the dedication and team spirit, bringing together those responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This gave the Ministry of Education the upper hand and a leading position. It won various awards and recognitions such as best government service via smartphones; the ‘Abnaee’ application; classification of center traders as a five-star service; the ‘Mohammed bin Rashid for Excellence in Government Performance’ awarded to team Mohammed bin Rashid for smart learning; and the ‘Prime Minister  Award’ given to Khawla Al Hosni. In addition, we also received the international prize of high-level strategic planning, and international award in networking social. All these recognitions showed the importance of sustaining our efforts towards our aim to become the most advanced and developed organization, with our ultimate goal of achieving global competitiveness.”
 “We still have a lot of work to do as we remain steadfast in our progress and continuously form strategic partnerships with national institutions such as DU Telecom and Dubai Quality Group. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to both organizations for supporting the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence. We congratulate all winners. Today, we celebrate the efforts of our employees across levels that have worked hard and performed well, which made them deserving to win the Emirates Award for Educational Excellence,” he added.
H.E. Marwan Al Sawaleh, MoE Undersecretary and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the award, said: “The number of contenders now doubled compared to the previous edition. This reflects our employees’ passion for excellence and commitment to deliver better education. In addition, we are eager to consistently improve the quality of our performance. The award was launched to promote the principles of excellence and the culture of quality and competitiveness within the ministry and its affiliates.”
He thanked DU for its full support that directly contributed to the attainment of the award’s objectives. He recognized everyone’s efforts, teamwork and cooperative spirit as well. He also expressed his appreciation to the administrations of the educational zones.
Speaking on the occasion, Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Commercial Officer, DU, said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Education for the second Emirates Award for Educational Excellence. We congratulate the winners from the educational institutions, faculties, and administrative personnel who contributed and still contributing to the strengthening of the UAE educational system.”
Al Hassawi added: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Education is part of our social responsibility to educate the young people as our future leaders and achieve sustainable development. We are one with the objectives of the award in its efforts to promote quality and high standards in various fields of the learning process. A strong educational system leads to the creation of a generation of skilled graduates, who will eventually become leaders in the various institutions of society.”
For their part, the honorees expressed their appreciation to the ministry. They also commended the MoE for its development initiatives which focus on strengthening the performance and skills of its human resources, encouraging teamwork and promoting a healthy work environment.
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British Orchard Nursery the First Pre-School to receive the Dubai Quality Awards

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 04 June 2014 – British Orchard Nursery was one of Dubai’s top performers who were honoured on Monday 2nd June for their outstanding pursuit of excellence. H. H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai along with H. H Shekh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and H. H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the 20th anniversary of the Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai and conferred the awards to the winners.

British Orchard Nursery was awarded the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award (DQAA) and Dubai Human Development Appreciation Award (DHDAA) in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in the education sector—the first awards to be conferred on the pre-primary sector on quality and human Development.
H. H. Shekh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoumand Ms  Vandana Gandhi

Ms. Vandana Gandhi, CEO and founder of British Orchard Nursery received the awards and expressed her sincere gratitude saying “I am honoured and thankful to the UAE Government and the visionary rulers for this recognition. We are humbled at this salutation of our vision, passion, commitment and teamwork. As a pre-school catering to the extended community, it only inspires us to do better. Our sincere thanks to our esteemed parents and children, business partners, team members and associates who contributed towards making this high value recognition possible,” she concluded.

Mohammed Bushanain, Corporate Quality & Management Excellence, DED, commented “The Business Excellence Awards provide a reliable and transparent framework for public and private sector firms to benchmark their best practices and advance to higher levels of competitiveness and customer satisfaction in the true spirit of healthy competition. Applicants and their best practices are measured against internationally recognised criteria such as the EFQM a quality management model and RADAR methodology. “
British Orchard Nursery also being the first pre-school in the middle-east to be ISO Quality certified,  has branches across the UAE and has pioneered the concept of corporate franchising by forming partnerships with many Government institutions in the UAE which includes Dubai Municipality, RTA, DEWA, Dubai Women’s College and ADCO in line with UAE’s vision 2020.