ABU DHABI // School pupils across the capital are to receive special lessons to teach them how to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week – the biggest environment, renewable energy, technology and innovation event in the region – will attract thousands of people to the capital at the end of next month.
An awareness drive for schools is being rolled out by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and the Mubadala Development Company.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in Schools will take place in more than 25 public and private schools from January 11 to 22.
The programme aims to increase awareness about sustainable development and inspire engagement in science, engineering and maths.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, director general of Adec, said the project will educate through fun and creative exercises.
Schools will be provided with activity kits and learning modules to teach the basics of building an energy-efficient home.
As part of the Junior Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, pupils will also learn how to build model cars powered by the sun.
Classrooms will be supplied with car kits that will help teach the basics of energy conversion and efficiency.
“In addition to instilling social, environmental and cultural values in this new initiative, students will learn more about what sustainability means, how it can impact them and the society as a whole in a positive way,” said Dr Al Qubaisi.
Following the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, which will see UAE university students compete with counterparts from Japan, the United States, Australia and Europe, the junior initiative is focusing on pupils between the ages of 12 and 15.
The overall winner will be announced on January 24 at the Masdar Festival.
Dr Ahmad Belhoul, chief executive of Masdar, said: “Education and community outreach are a core part of what Masdar does and stands for.
“By taking Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week into schools with Mubadala and Adec, we hope to motivate and inspire, bringing the topic to life and encouraging the next generation of sustainability champions to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Earlier this month, Masdar, through the Zayed Future Energy Prize, also announced a nationwide campaign to encourage energy and water savings.
The initiative, #YTurnItOff, asked social media users to post 15-second videos on the topic on Instagram, featuring inspirational messages and advice on how to use less resources. The winner will be decided through a public vote on Instagram from January 4 to 10.
vtodorova@thenational.ae