Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, set out the agenda for the future of education as a renewed call was made for school staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Sheikh Abdullah chaired an online meeting of the Education and Human Resources Council.
During the meeting, Minister of State for Public Education Jameela Al Muhairi reviewed plans to develop vaccination protocols for the country's schools.
Ms Al Muhairi stressed the importance of widespread inoculation in ensuring a safe and healthy school community.
This month, Sheikh Abdullah urged teachers and other school employees to take the Covid-19 vaccine and support a return to normality.
"We look forward to the return of our sons and daughters to their schools, to develop their capacities and skills in a safe and healthy academic environment where they can be overachievers, preparing a promising generation capable of leading the country in the future," he said at the time.
Those efforts were boosted this week when the UAE approved the use of the coronavirus vaccine for teenagers aged 16 and above.
The decision was made by the Ministry of Health and Prevention on Sunday.
It was welcomed by school leaders who said it provided hope after a year of disruption for the education sector.
Allowing older pupils to be vaccinated was regarded by school heads as key to securing a permanent return to the classroom.
Public and private schools in Abu Dhabi will use distance learning for at least the next two weeks amid an increase in Covid-19 cases.
Schools in Dubai and Sharjah continue to provide blended models of in-person and remote learning.
More than two million doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered across the country to date.
Sheikh Abdullah is one of several senior figures in the country to be vaccinated.
Sheikh Abdullah supports digital drive
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the role of digital media in education in preparing learners for careers increasingly influenced by advances in technology.
He said digital media was crucial in “strengthening the education system to build a new generation of skilled and qualified professionals”.
The council reviewed a proposal by the New Media Academy on the launch of an advanced academic training programme, which aims to integrate digital skills into the education system.
Rashid Al Awadhi, chief executive of the academy, said the scheme would enable teachers to integrate digital media principles and skills into the school curriculum from an early stage.
Pupils return to classrooms after Covid-19 moved learning online:
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Pupils heading to school for the first day after the summer break at the Pearl Academy School on Muroor Road. Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Youngsters start their day at the Pearl Academy School on Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
A mum and her two daughters pose for a photo at the Pearl Academy School. Victor Besa / The National -
A father walks his son to the Pearl Academy School. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils at GEMS Dubai American Academy arrive after the summer break. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Youngsters make their way to classes at GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Parents and pupils approach the entrance of the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A pianist plays in the foyer as young students wander into the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Pupils say goodbye to their parents at the GEMS Dubai American Academy. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Brendan Fulton, principal at Dubai British School, interacts with students on their first day back. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Pupils begin the day at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Youngsters take part in activities at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed/The National -
Evie Fleming, second from right, takes part in a team-building class on the first day of school at Dubai British School. Reem Mohammed / The National
