SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With a focus on teachers, families and an integrated education ecosystem, the 4th Education First Forum took place in Abu Dhabi on Monday, coinciding with World Teachers' Day.
Organised by Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE), the forum was held under the theme: “From Impact to Ecosystem”, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and explored the links between education, AI, human capital and societal wellbeing.
During the event, ECAE launched NAMA’A, a family-focused, research-led initiative that supports the education and development of children and young people.
The programme, launched in the Year of Family, centres on five themes: Home (family), Guidance (educators), Belonging (community), Direction (policy) and Harmony (an integrated education ecosystem).
The event also recognised graduates of ECAE’s Comprehensive Capacity Building for Educational Leadership programme.
At the opening, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education and Chair of the Board of Trustees of ECAE, said education must prepare students for rapid change while protecting their identity and values.
“We must build an education system that enables our students to achieve their full potential and prepares them for life and a rapidly changing future, without losing their identity, values and confidence in themselves.” She said students need strong knowledge, foundational skills and the ability to think, adapt and learn continuously.
“Our goal is to build a student with solid knowledge and strong foundational skills, capable of thinking, analysing, solving problems, adapting and continuously learning.” Al Amiri stressed that technology should strengthen education without weakening essential human skills.
“Technology and artificial intelligence are tools that should be used consciously, without coming at the expense of independent thinking or human interaction.”
She said empowered teachers are essential to achieving meaningful change in education.
“No educational transformation can be achieved without an empowered teacher.”
Al Amiri highlighted teachers’ direct role in translating curricula into meaningful learning. “The teacher is the one who turns the curriculum into a learning experience and discovers the student’s abilities.”
Building Foundations at Home
Prof. David Pedder, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic, said learning extends beyond schools, with families providing the foundations for children’s development.
“Education does not begin and end in schools. It begins in families.” He said ECAE launched NAMA'A as a research-led initiative connecting families, children and young people around education and development. “The name NAMA'A speaks to growth and development.”
NAMA'A aims to strengthen links between families, students, schools, educators, communities and policymakers.
“Children and young people thrive when the important people and institutions in their lives are connected through a shared commitment to their success.”
Prof. Pedder said families contribute knowledge of their children, alongside their culture, values, aspirations and experiences.
The initiative will bring different voices together through research and dialogue to improve learning and wellbeing across the UAE.
“Through research, dialogue and partnership, NAMA'A will help bring these voices together,” he said, helping generate research-informed insights and strengthen relationships supporting children, families and communities.