Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)
The best educators from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi had their moment in the spotlight at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) awards, where teachers and principals were awarded for educational excellence.
As one of the first sources of guidance, information, and inspiration for younger generations, the tireless hours put in by teachers behind the scenes can sometimes go underappreciated. Certainly, this was not the case at the exclusive event held at Emirates Palace on Thursday night, where the admiration and high regard for Abu Dhabi’s educators was on full display.
The night saw multiple accolades given out for outstanding primary and secondary teachers from multiple departments, exemplary performance by schools in different metrics, as well as several special individual awards.
Over 300 submissions across 11 individual and school level categories were assessed by 35 expert judges against a comprehensive assessment criterion. Individual winners were given prizes of around Dh50,000, and winning schools received between Dh100,000 and Dh300,000.
The Unsung Hero category, awarded to teachers that went above and beyond for their students, went to Amal Al Shriti from Liwa International School, Falaj Hazaa. Presented to her by her student, Mariam Darwish, it was clear to see just how much of an impact Shriti had on her students.
“She was in charge of all the extracurricular… she was there after COVID when things weren’t going well; she helped get us back up,” Mariam told the crowd enthusiastically.
“The best way I can describe her is as our Mama bird… she helped nurture us and now we are ready to fly.”
The wholesome scene set the tone for the night, which was jam packed with pre-recorded messages from students to teachers, and speeches and presentation of awards given out to students.
“There are no words to describe how I’m feeling. It’s like a really amazing compliment,” Mariam Aljaberi from Mubarak Bin Mohammad School, the recipient of the outstanding teacher award for primary teachers, told Aletihad.
“I was actually really surprised to win it, but I had a very supportive and encouraging Principal and colleagues. I didn’t expect to see the students on stage; it was really nice.”
Collective awards for schools and departments were also given out on the night, and it was obvious to see exactly what that meant for the teams of faculty staff that had put so much effort into improving.
One of the most notable categories of the night was the “Best Inclusive Practices” award, which was awarded to Mayoor Private School.
“It’s very nice to feel appreciated. After putting in so much of effort, I feel the award is not for the individual. It’s for the whole school, including teachers of course, and our staff team and students, without which this would not have been possible”, Mayoor’s Principal, Dr. Anna Pagdiwalla told Aletihad.
“When we started this school, I was very much for having an inclusive school department that would include people of determination. We were the first school [to do so] and I’m very proud that we went from having five students to now having 50 something, it’s amazing.”
In the individual category, Salama Khalfan Obaid Al Mazrouei from Qatr Al Nada High School received the Principal of the Year Award, marking a significant achievement in educational leadership. In the category of Outstanding Teacher Awards, Mariam Mohammed Jumma Al Jaberi from Mubarak Bin Mohammed School was celebrated as the Outstanding Early Years & Primary Teacher, while Sadiq Amin Khan from Islamiya English School took the honour for Outstanding Secondary Teacher. Hanan Fathy Salim from Yasmina British Academy was awarded as the Outstanding Arabic Literacy & Culture teacher. Additionally, Amal Al Shriti from Liwa International School, Falaj Hazaa, was recognised as the Unsung Hero.
On the school front, the Best Inclusive Practices award, accompanied by a prize of Dh300,000, went to Mayoor Private School for their exceptional inclusivity. Bright Riders School was acknowledged as the Most Improved, receiving Dh200,000. Liwa International School for Girls won the Best Professional Development Programmes award, valued at Dh150,000. Abu Dhabi International Private School, Mbz, was recognised for having the Best Reading Programme, also receiving Dh150,000. Similarly, Liwa International School, Falaj Hazaa, was awarded Dh150,000 for the Best Arabic Programme. Al Ain Juniors School’s efforts in parental engagement were celebrated with the Best Parental Engagement award, worth Dh100,000. Lastly, Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Generations School received the Best Student Wellbeing Programme award, also valued at Dh100,000.