ABU DHABI // When a western teacher at a private school in Sharjah was fired earlier this year for showing a culturally insensitive movie to his students, it did not come as a surprise to education consultant Judith Finnemore.
There is a “culture of ignorance” among some expatriates, Mrs Finnemore said.
The Abu Dhabi Education Council and some public schools host training sessions for incoming teachers to help educate them about what is appropriate. Adec’s orientation is offered to all incoming English medium teachers.
“This orientation programme had been developed to include school-based items, curriculum as well as cultural, and some Abu Dhabi life adjustment pointers,” the council said.
The cultural pointers about UAE society were meant to “help the teachers integrate easily in the general fabric of the society and make their stay smooth”.
Although not all private schools offer cultural awareness training, some school leaders said that it was critical in helping teachers integrate to life in the UAE.
“It is absolutely essential that all teachers, whether they are new to the country or not, receive a training programme on not just the laws and regulations of the UAE, but also an introduction to Islam and the culture, values and traditions of the UAE,” said Alistair Bond, headmaster at Foremarke School in Al Barsha South.
Mr Bond said staff at his school participate in the induction training before the start of the academic year.
“We also invite a representative from the British Embassy to give excellent advice on how to conduct oneself in this country,” said Mr Bond. “This also extends to the recruitment phase where we speak at some length about not just our expectations as a school but also the absolute necessity to abide by the UAE laws and to respect the values and customs of this wonderful and most hospitable country.”
The culture training is standard procedure at Dubai College, said outgoing headmaster Peter Hill. The school implements a buddy system that matches staff members with new recruits. An Emirati speaker is invited to talk to staff about local history and customs, while department heads also address the dos and don’ts.
“It is the duty of a school to show respect. There must be sympathy, understanding and sensitivity to where we are,” said Mr Hill.
“Just be conscious of the fact that Dubai is not a sunny city in the southern Mediterranean. It is a city with a distinct culture. People must respect traditions and roots, have awareness and understanding.”
rpennington@thenational.ae
