Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in schools set for another successful year

ABU DHABI, 17th January, 2016 (WAM) -- Thousands of students will participate in a thrilling 5-day event as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in Schools (ADSWS) launches fun-filled, educational activities tomorrow in schools throughout the emirate. The initiative, which is a collaboration between Mubadala, Masdar and the Abu Dhabi Education Council, is an educational programme that aims to increase awareness of sustainable development and encourage youth to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and STEM careers. The ADSWS programme provides students with information on sustainability issues facing society and the importance of sustainable development. From 17-21 January, students will learn about sustainability through fun, hands-on activities, and the role they can play in helping promote it. Last year’s ADSWS featured bespoke competitions and educational programmes, engaging thousands of students from more than 30 schools across Abu Dhabi. "Sustainability is essential to our nation’s development goals," said Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director of Sustainability at Masdar and Director of Zayed Future Energy Prize. "It is a broad discipline that impacts our society in many ways from business to technology, to the environment and social sciences." Dr. Al-Hosany added, "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in Schools provides the perfect platform to familiarise students Abu Dhabi’s next generation of leaders with sustainability and its importance to the UAE and the global community." The programme’s engaging activities include two key projects, Solar Car Challenge and A Sustainable Home Model. Teachers received manuals that include information on sustainability, clean energy and environmental conservation, as well as tips and guidelines for the in-school projects. Humaid Abdalla, Director of the Division of Student Affairs, Abu Dhabi Education Council, said: "We are delighted to support Masdar and Mubadala through its schools programme during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and commend their efforts to inform and educate our youth about the importance of sustainable development. ADSW is an important initiative in shaping tomorrow’s scientists and innovators of industry and provides the ideal opportunity for our students to develop a better understanding and knowledge of clean energy, water sustainability, resource conservation and waste-related issues." – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395290352865.html