Indemaj hosts second network event

Indemaj, an organisation which supports the implementation of the UAE Strategic Plan for quality inclusive education in UAE Government Schools, hosted recently its second network event. The event took place at the Dubai International Convention Centre, and was attended by Educational Zone officials, Indemaj's Board of Trustees members, principals, teachers as well as educational experts.

Indemaj is established under the patronage and leadership of HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. It has special focus on supporting the schools in the rural areas in the UAE.

During the event the principals and teachers presented the outcome that Indemaj’s projects have had on their students. All the schools reported positive results, and it was clear that Indemaj's Resource and Development Centers have greatly enhanced the motivation and learning of all of the students.

The teachers commented that that many students have been able to close gaps in their skill level due to increased interest and the availability of tools which suits their individual learning style. Adhen School for Girls, Ras Al Khaimah pointed out that the Indemaj’s project has “helped to enhance students self confidence in attempting any task.”

Umama School for Girls, Khorfakhan commented that “the attractive learning environment of the Resource and Development Centre supports the teachers to teach to different learning abilities.”

Indemaj's Resource and Development Centers are equipped with modern technology and learning resources which gives students the opportunity to be engaged in the learning process, and it enables them learn through child initiated and interactive learning instead of the traditional way of memorisation and recalling knowledge.

Khadeeja Bint Khoailed School for Girls, Hatta highlighted that “students have expressed that they feel happy when they enter the Resource and Development Centre, and they wish to have all the classes conducted there.”

In her welcome speech, Hanne Al Gurg, CEO Indemaj, thanked HRH Princess Haya for ongoing commitment and strong support of Indemaj with the aim of supporting the development of the inclusive educational services in the UAE Government schools. She went on to say that Princess Haya’s drive for excellence in all fields has been a great inspiration for the schools.

She also thanked the Educational Zone officials for their positive involvement with Indemaj which has played a role in assuring that the expected objectives are being met. She pointed out that the principals and teacher's hard work and commitment has been a crucial factor in the success of the outcomes, and that she was very pleased to see how teachers often developed Indemaj's projects beyond expectations by using their creativity and knowledge.

Indemaj programmes include professional development training for teachers. In addition to the general training Indemaj provides mentoring for groups of teachers in each schools. The mentoring empowers these teachers to become train the trainers for other teachers as well as having skills in recognising symptoms of psycho/social issues which might be affecting some students in their learning, and which might need parent's involvement and referral.

During the event Indemaj announced its plans for the implementation of additional projects over the next two years in the same 10 schools in which it currently works. It also stated that regular independent research activities will be done in collaboration with the British University, Dubai to assure that Indemaj’s objectives have been achieved.