Khaleej Times

Hatta beckons students to connect with nature

- Staff Reporter reporters@khaleejtim­es.com

dubai — Students from Dubai’s private schools are being invited to connect with nature as Hatta’s beautiful landscape is being turned into an extension of the classroom. Overnight camping is also introduced as part of the twoday ‘Discover Treasures of Hatta’ programme, launched by the Knowledge and Human Developmen­t Authority (KHDA).

Participat­ing schools will be given an opportunit­y to host students at the Hatta Wellbeing Campus, which takes students to the Hatta Hill Park, Hatta Dam and JA Hatta Fort Hotel, part of JA Resorts & Hotels. Students aged 13 to 15 are included in the programme aimed at developing mindfulnes­s as a tool for wellbeing. The programme will provide opportunit­ies for students to be challenged physically, personally and socially.

Speaking about the unique initiative, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the board of directors and director general of the KHDA, said the camp gives students an opportunit­y to “push themselves while learning something new”.

“It is a one of a kind opportunit­y that allows students to explore,

It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunit­y that allows students to explore, connect and be active.”

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, KHDA

connect and be active. It’s about discoverin­g something new and enjoying the natural beauty of Hatta to reconnect with wellbeing and happiness.”

“The wellbeing campus has a lot of activities that encourage students to share new experience­s and discover the place at their own pace. By introducin­g overnight camping this year, we are giving students a chance to experience more activities in Hatta,” Al Karam said.

Students from Dar El Marefa and Dubai British School will experience the programme on the first day hosted at the campus. This year, students will experience additional camping activities which include tent assembly, hiking, cooking, farming and mindfulnes­s sessions. Students will be encouraged to connect with teammates and embrace the five ways to wellbeing on a daily basis — Give, Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning and Take Notice.

 ??  ?? Hiking and overnight camping will be part of the programme.
Hiking and overnight camping will be part of the programme.

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