Informal science school education program to tour 100 schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia reaching 15,000 students
Abu Dhabi, May 02, 2013 - As part of its efforts to establish a vibrant Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) talent base in the Emirate, the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) today announced a new strategic initiative, ‘Lema?’, which when translated means “Why?” in Arabic. The program is aimed at stimulating scientific curiosity within the youth of Abu Dhabi and will tour public and private schools in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain and Al Gharbia and will reach over 15,000 students from grades 3 to 5 and their teachers. The topics covered through the program will cover biology, through show formats and robotics, through workshop formats.
Following best practices in science promotion and running alongside existing curriculum, ‘Lema?’ is designed to inspire the Abu Dhabi youth in science and technology, through demonstrating exciting scientific experiences and by creating significant memories, ultimately inspiring them to pursue related careers in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
In organizing this Emirate-wide outreach initiative, TDC continues its collaboration with its Education Partner, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) which further ensures that informal science education complements Abu Dhabi’s education reforms, in addition to the engagement of Abu Dhabi’s school children and the education community.
Commenting on the launch of the program, H.E. Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Director General of TDC said: “Focusing on science, technology and innovation is important to the growth of Abu Dhabi, and the Emirate has demonstrated a real passion for it with a total of over 220,000 visitors flooding to the TDC-led Abu Dhabi Science Festival Editions of 2011 and 2012.” He added: “ ‘Lema?’ is a further demonstration of our commitment to making science popular amongst the youth of Abu Dhabi, and our program will help generate lasting, powerful and positive scientific experiences for our youth.”
Bi-lingual trained experts from the Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF) alongside Alumni from the ADSF Science Communicators will deliver the program, further developing their skills and enriching their experience for future careers. ‘Lema?’ will be delivered in two phases, commencing on the 28th of April with phase two planned for September 2013.