Schools could win Dh1m worth of solar panels
Two UAE schools could win an Expo 2020 award and a share of Dh1 million in solar panels for working on innovative projects to fight climate change.
Installing Dh500,000 of photovoltaic panels at each school would give the students a better understanding of energy saving and invaluable information on solar power.
“We are looking outside the Expo site at youth to engage them in a Sustainability Champions’ competition,” said Najeeb Al Ali, the executive director of the Expo 2020 Bureau that co-ordinates Expo projects.
The competition and solar panels will be sponsored by Expo 2020 as part of its aim to inspire young people across the nation.
Any school is eligible for the competition, which has been organised by the Expo in co-ordination with the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, and the Ministry of Education.
The winning schools will be announced on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day.
“These two schools will benefit from the panels that will reduce the emissions from the school and will reduce their overall consumption from the grid,” Mr Al Ali said.
“The schools will have firsthand experience when they see the solar panels on the rooftops. This will hopefully get many children interested in sustainability.
“They will also have access to material and manuals on sustainability that we as Expo will provide for students and teachers because we are looking at this as an opportunity to spread awareness and learning.
“The ultimate goal is for the children, the future generation of the UAE, to benefit.”
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the competition would raise an environmentally responsible generation in keeping with the vision of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, who stressed the importance of preserving the country’s natural resources.
“The programme offers students an opportunity to become real partners and actively participate in developing sustainable solutions,” Dr Al Zeyoudi said at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Jameela Al Muhairi, the Minister of State for Public Education, said educating students about the environment was of utmost priority.
“Different curriculum areas have been enriched with concepts related to sustainability to raise students’ awareness of the importance of the country’s future projects,” Ms Al Muhairi said.
“As a result, the future generation will enjoy a better, sustainable life and safeguard it for the generations to follow.”
The five criteria on which the schools will be evaluated are their commitment, achievements so far, how they engage with green initiatives, the school’s vision and details of innovations they have introduced.
The school must also clearly outline the budget to develop and expand current conservation projects. Education and sustainability leaders and Expo 2020 partners will form the judging panel.
The applications can be in Arabic or English and submitted through an online portal by April 1. Schools can make inquiries by email to sustainabilitychampions@expo2020.ae.