Dubai award for 'happy and healthy schools'

The City Makers’ Sky Blue Team announced a new award to recognise schools who have made achievements in supporting the health and wellbeing of students.

Launched as part of the City Makers initiative, the Sky Blue team comprises representatives from Dubai Education Zone, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sports Council and Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

The award will work towards raising awareness on the importance of healthy living from an early age and celebrate schools in Dubai that are making a difference in the lives of students.

Schools can apply in three categories – Healthy and Happy School (H2) Award, Star of the community and Most Innovative School in implementing health and wellbeing programs. The H2 Award will recognise schools that support healthy eating, holistic living and positive working and studying environments.

Dr. Haya bint Sufian, Head of Activities and School Environment at Dubai Education Zone said, “The award will prompt schools to pay more attention to their students’ health while offering activities and innovative programmes to achieve student happiness. Dubai Education Zone will encourage and support public schools to participate in this award.”

A spokesperson from DHA emphasized: “The award will play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles for school students as well as community awareness of healthy nutrition, both inside and outside schools. Students are ambassadors of healthy life in the community and this award will strengthen the government and community efforts to enhance quality of students’ wellbeing in their schools."

A spokesperson from DM said: “Through this award, a new avenue of social appreciation will emerge and help promote healthy living for school students by monitoring and assessing various initiatives that help in achieving the goals set out by the Sky Blue team. This award will help in enhancing Dubai Municipality's efforts in improving the quality of food provided to school canteens."

Dr Aisha Busmait, Director of Communication and Marketing at DSC, said, “Government entities are working together to implement this important national initiative, which improves the gains that have been made for our country and society. The Council participates in this collaborative awareness to increase awareness and support preparation and implementation of sports programmes. We will work towards encouraging schools to help students engage in daily physical activities and increase the time allocated for sports per week.”

Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Creativity, Happiness and Innovation (CHI) at KHDA said, “Supporting the health and wellbeing of students and young children is an important priority in our journey to building a happier society. This initiative will help create a better learning environment for the nation’s young students and contribute towards building a better quality of life in our communities.”

An international judging panel will evaluate entries submitted by schools and winners will be announced during What Works Fusion, a KHDA event, on May 23.

How to apply for the Award?

Schools applying for the award can visit www.khda.gov.ae for more information. The last date for submitting entries is Thursday, May 5, 2016. Winning schools will be announced during What Works Fusion on May 23.

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