ADEK, ZU offer support for children of healthcare heroes

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched an educational support programme for the children of healthcare professionals at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi.

The initiative, which was developed in collaboration with Zayed University, seeks to lend a helping hand to doctors and nurses who have worked tirelessly to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Following the implementation of distance learning in schools across the country as of March 8, parents with children in grades KG to Six will be able to avail educational support across the core subjects of Arabic, English, Maths and Science.

The comprehensive programme will include daily check-ins with students to ensure they feel supported while they study remotely, one-on-one tutoring sessions to administer targeted support across the core subjects, as well as assistance with assignments, projects and assessments. Led by a passionate and dedicated team comprised of volunteer faculty, teachers and tutors from Zayed University, each student will have an assigned tutor to provide educational guidance and monitor their progress until the end of the current academic year in June.

Commenting on the educational support programme, Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and President of Zayed University, stressed that this initiative represents a truly heart-warming show of community support and solidarity. She underscored the importance of the spirit of collaboration between Zayed University and ADEK to ensure the success of the programme.

Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said, “As the pandemic unfolds worldwide, the UAE has adopted a unique approach, taking swift action to manage this crisis and deal with its many ramifications. Whether by implementing preventative and precautionary measures, providing government aid or spearheading community-focused initiatives, we are grateful to be able to provide integral support to all those affected by COVID-19. Healthcare workers across the country continue to make immense sacrifices on the front lines; spending treasured time away from their families to safeguard the health and safety of our larger community. The educational support initiative for nurses and doctors at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City is but a small token of our gratitude in recognition of the achievements and sacrifices our healthcare heroes make every day.”

Prior to the commencement of the programme, Zayed University tutors will liaise directly with children’s schools and teachers to ensure that all educational support is provided in a coordinated and seamless manner, taking a load off SKMC parents. Tutors will also share in-depth briefs on the type of guidance their children can expect, including weekly timetables for the supplementary educational support, pre-scheduled slots for tutoring and mock assessments, as well as an overview on the syllabus topics set to be covered during a given week.

Sara Musallam, Chairperson at ADEK, said, “We are truly indebted to the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to serve our community, spending precious time away from their own families to care for others. In launching this educational support programme, we offer our sincere gratitude to the healthcare staff at SKMC and hope to relieve even a fraction of the pressures they face daily.”

“This is just one of several initiatives spearheaded by ADEK over a very short period to ensure the continuity of learning in the wake of COVID-19. In line with the measures being put in place both locally and globally, we have had to adapt quickly and efficiently to ensure that we can continue to provide an enriching educational experience for our students and enhance their performance in core subjects that are vital to their academic success. ADEK believes wholeheartedly in the right of every child to a quality education, regardless of the circumstances. As such, we remain committed to working with our partners and institutions within the public and private sector to provide the necessary support to students, parents and educators across the board,” Musallam added.