The Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) last week announced its decision to open 15 community schools to parents, children and residents after school hours.

This means that “members of the public will have access to a full-fledged gymnasium, swimming pool, laboratory and learning resource centres,” said Mohammad Salem Al Dhaheri, Adec’s executive director of school operations.

“We now have a total of 15 centres – 5 in Abu Dhabi, 5 in Al Ain and 5 in the Western Region which are open two days a week for men and another two days a week for women between 4pm to 8pm daily.

“Plans to open further centres are in place in the near future, depending on parental and community demands,” he said.

Al Qubaisi urged parents to participate with their children in after-hours community school activities.  “This would help create an ideal environment between parents, children and Adec.”

This project is being initiated following the success of pilot programme last year.

“As part of equipping students with knowledge-based experience and encouraging overall socio-development across our community, Adec implemented the community centre project which will promote a secure and safe environment filled with entertaining community-based activities that are both cultural and educational throughout the day. The concept of implementing community schools comes in line with Adec’s vision to equip students with 21st century skills that can help prepare them to compete with their peers globally,” said Amal Al Qubaisi, director general of Adec.