Abu Dhabi schools to host exchange event

A unique exchange programme that will connect Abu Dhabi schools with thousands of children from across the world was announced on Monday.
The 'One School One Country' programme is part of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, the biggest vocational skills competition coming to the emirate in October this year.
The official launch of the initiative saw the pairing of pupils from 59 Abu Dhabi schools with delegates and team members from other participant countries ahead of the competition. More than 1,600 talented youngsters from over 60 countries will descend on the UAE Capital to showcase their vocational and technical skills in a first of its kind event in the Arab region. They will compete in 51 categories including aircraft engineering, cookery, digital design and mobile robotics.
A whopping Dh300,000 awaits the gold medal winners, Dh200,000 for silver, and Dh100,000 for bronze medal winners. Medallions of excellence will receive a prize money of Dh50,000. The UAE team comprising 34 members will compete in 51 categories.
Mubarak Al Shamsi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, said the programme will facilitate cultural exchange among students of the world.
"The bond of friendship we witness for the first time today will grow in the coming months as the school students and teams learn more about each other," said Al Shamsi. Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the launch event, Simon Bartley, the president of WorldSkills said, by partnering with competitors, students will create an understanding that will help create a peaceful future for the coming generations. He said the prog-ramme pushes children to build a successful career, and focuses on issues of youth unemployment. "The UAE understands they have an enthusiastic work force and an entrepreneurial culture. It is part of a national plan to up-skill Emiratis to work in their own country and abroad," he said.
WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017x is open to the public for free at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 15 to 18.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com