‘Foundation course should be part of school curriculum’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, paid a visit to the premises of the Ministry of Education in Dubai on Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan were received by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qatami, Minister of Education, and a number of senior officials.

Sheikh Mohammed ordered the Education Ministry to invest its efforts in better preparing students towards the end of their high school career to enter specialised university courses directly, rather than wasting valuable time engaged in foundation courses.

After listening to plans to modernise and improve infrastructure and examination procedures at the country's schools, Sheikh Mohammed assured the education minister that he would give his full support to the nation’s teachers.

He went on to express his willingness to listen to all opinions offered by ministry staff to boost teaching methods in the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed also met a number of students who had won awards in sports and various disciplines. He congratulated them and thanked them for representing the country at regional and international forums.

Sheikh Mohammed called on Al Qattami to increase the ministry's focus on building more sporting activities into the national curriculum to augment students' health.

Sheikh Mohammed inspected a number of school buses that are fully equipped for the safety of students and their comfort during transportation.

The Minister of Education briefly explained the role of the Emirates Transport and Services Corporation, which runs more than 3,330 school buses in addition to over 6,000 vehicles that have been leased to various ministries and federal institutions.

In the conference room, Sheikh Mohammed listened to a briefing on the plans and preparations of the Ministry to welcome the 2010/2011 academic year in September receiving over 400,000 students at various schools across the country.

MOHAMMED RECEIVES EL DHAHAB

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan, received on Sunday, Field Marshal Abdel Rahman Mohamed Siwar El Dhahab, former President of Sudan, Chairman of Sudan's Islamic Dawa Organisation and recipient of the Islamic Personality of the Year Award.

Siwar Al Dhahab was voted was earlier last week the Islamic Personality of the Year by Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) in its 14th edition.

Sheikh Mohammed hailed the efforts of Al Dhahab in the service of Islam and Muslims and for being chosen for the award in appreciation of his noble initiatives.

Siwar Al Dhahab held in high esteem the care and patronage given by Sheikh Mohammed to the Dubai International Holy Quran Award and said that through founding this award, Sheikh Mohammed could encourage the young generation to memorise the Holy Book and understand the meaning of its divine verses. He prayed to God to accept this endeavour as an act of charity and virtuous deed.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qatami and senior officials.

MOHAMMED OFFERS CONDOLENCES

Sheikh Mohammed also visited the Majlis of Mohammed bin Al Sheikh Mejren in Nad Al Sheba and offered condolences to the bereaved family of Mejren on the demise of the widow of the late Sheikh Al Murr bin Mejren.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan.

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