Focus on moral education, schools told

Abu Dhabi - Moral subjects are being taught during a weekly period and have replaced one of the social studies classes, where students get to learn more about tolerance, respect, entrepreneurship skills, positive interaction, responsibility and developing a sense of community service.

Abu Dhabi private schools have been told to put a lot of focus on teaching moral subjects so as to build children's character, discipline and tolerance for a harmonious society.
Dr Karima Al Mazroui, acting executive director for P12 schools at the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), said: "Our main goal this year is seeing a more harmonious society and this should be through teaching good morals to our pupils.
"True change happens within the classroom and not from outside, and this is because of the power of a teacher. That's why we put great importance on what we have to teach our children and the quality of teachers." 
Al Mazroui made the comments during the Private Schools Annual Forum in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The 2017-2018 forum, which was organised by Adek, was attended by more than 400 school principals and vice principals from across Abu Dhabi.
She said that the UAE community has people of various nationalities and with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
"And with great focus on schools teaching moral subjects, our children will learn discipline, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness, peaceful co-existence with each other thereby achieving peace and harmony in society," said Al Mazroui.
She added that some countries in Europe and other areas introduced moral subjects after experiencing incidents of violence and that the UAE won't wait for violence to happen.
The Moral Education Curriculum, a nationwide initiative was rolled out once a week for all private school students in Grades 1 to 11 starting from the current academic year, to promote positive character traits, ethical values, community spirit and cultural pride among students. Moral subjects are being taught during a weekly period and have replaced one of the social studies classes, where students get to learn more about tolerance, respect, entrepreneurship skills, positive interaction, responsibility and developing a sense of community service. 
"Teaching moral subjects in schools is a fantastic thing and children need human values so as to become good citizens," Nan Mckeown, principal of Al Rabeeh School in Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times. 
The vice-principal of Ajyal International School in Al Falah said moral lessons are important for shaping the children. "Our students are predominantly Emiratis. We make sure that we teach the moral lessons are funny and enjoyable to the pupils and this would help them get the concepts easily." 
Engineer Hamad Al Dhaheri, executive director of private school and quality assurance sector, said: "The UAE aspires to stand out as one of the most successful countries in providing world-class quality education. Our expectations from principals, vice principals and teachers remain high. We look forward to witnessing continuous progress in the education sector."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi