Shaping values, beliefs and habits for a strong nation
To enhance the social well-being of Emiratis, Shaikh Zayed formulated specific goals for education
The leader of a new nation faces the special challenge of setting the country’s priorities. To be successful, that leader must be both wise and bold. The United Arab Emirates had such a leader.
Because the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was devoted to the well-being of his people above all else, he made the education of his people the country’s fundamental priority. He provided the guidance, resources, and inspiration that developed the knowledge society in which we thrive today.
Shaikh Zayed believed that education is not an expense but instead an investment in the future. He recognised that education enables the acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and understanding that lead to human fulfillment and happiness. He knew that education shapes values, beliefs, and habits that define the character of the future. He believed that “the highest achievement of a nation is measured by the level and extent of its education.”
When families support schools
He reasoned correctly that the UAE could compete in the global economy only if its citizens were educated to participate in the global society.
I remember Shaikh Zayed telling us that good education occurs when families and the social structure support the schools. With his wife, the Mother of our Nation, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, he promoted the education of women and secured the support of families throughout the country. He always emphasised that strong societal partnerships undergird strong schools. In this Year of Zayed, we fittingly express our gratitude for Shaikh Zayed’s clarity of vision in developing an effectual system of education for UAE youth from kindergarten through university. Shaikh Zayed’s wisdom and bold actions motivate us even now as we continue to strengthen our education system.
To enhance the social well-being of Emiratis, Shaikh Zayed formulated specific goals for education. Education should prepare individuals to be good citizens. Graduates should be capable of participating productively in their country’s economic, social, and cultural activities.
Educational curriculums should integrate the latest technological and scientific developments so that students are able to function effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
Education should embrace a full range of programmes that develop people who, whatever their own educational specialty, respect both the skills required in the vocations and the breadth of vision developed in the study of the liberal arts. We are very fortunate that our President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan supported strongly by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces continues to pursue those worthy goals.
Shaikh Zayed created a model for education in the Middle East. Among the nations in that area, the UAE has the highest percentage of youth in elementary, secondary and higher education. Men and women have equal access to educational opportunities, and the UAE leads its neighbours in promoting gender equality.
The government has enabled thousands of young men and women to study abroad and subsequently to enrich perspectives in our own society.
While supporting public education, Shaikh Zayed also encouraged private education. The stunning results of that encouragement abound - scores of superb international schools and universities. Both private and federal institutions have attracted superb international faculties.
Education has opened our local society to the world. UAE citizens participate in the public and private sectors at all levels. Our country has become a full member of the global community. All of that was made possible because of Shaikh Zayed’s wise and bold action in making education the new country’s fundamental priority.