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Safety Smart Schools initiative to improve students' awareness on key issues

The MoU also aims to qualify educators as programme ambassadors to spread awareness among students and develop their safety now and in the future.

The UAE is launching an initiative in schools nationwide to improve children’s awareness and understanding of safety, health, sustainability and environmental issues.

The UAE Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Underwriters Laboratories to roll out its Safety Smart programme in classrooms.

UAE students aged between 6 and 14 will be able to participate in the global educational programme. The MoU also aims to qualify educators as programme ambassadors to spread awareness among students and develop their safety now and in the future. The new programme is aligned with the UAE government’s strategy towards human development and welfare of its citizens.

The MoU was signed by Marwan Ahmad Al Sawaleh, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Supporting Services; Lt.-General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior; Major-General Dr Abdul Quddus Abdul Razak Obaidli; Major-General Dr Abdul Quddous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Director-General of Total Quality at Dubai Police and Chairman of Emirates Intellectual Property Association; and Barbara Guthrie, Vice-President and Chief Public Safety Officer at Underwriters Laboratories.

Lt.-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Humaid Mohammed Al Qattami, Minister of Education, attended the MoU signing at the Headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters. The ceremony involved the Ministries of Interior and Education, as well as the Emirates Association for Intellectual Property and Underwriters Laboratories.

Shaikh Saif said: “The Ministry of Interior is keen to strengthen the system of public safety and to spread the culture of safety and security across the UAE. The Safety Smart programme is aligned with the goals and mission of the ministry’s strategy, aimed at raising a new generation of students who are aware of the best and most important safety tips and practices.”

He commended the individuals and institutions that aspire to develop the educational community in the UAE.

Shaikh Saif went on to praise the performance of the parties and organisations involved in this MoU, while emphasising the key role the private sector is playing through these initiatives. “We hope that our students receive high quality education in educational institutions that are on par with international standards, in order to build our nation and bolster its achievements.”

“In line with the ministry’s Strategy 2010/2020 to develop education, students are the core of all our initiatives. The Ministry continues to reinforce awareness of health and safety, both in the school environment and beyond. The Ministry spares no effort in honing students’ health-related skills and developing their safe practices,” Al Qatami said.

“The MoU carries great significance. It is in complete harmony with our plan to qualify and train teachers on the programme to efficiently undertake their role in raising a generation fully aware of the best health, safety and environmental practices,” he added.

Commenting on the involvement of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), Major-General Dr Abdul Quddus Abdul Razak Obaidli said: “The involvement of EIPA in such initiatives emphasises the ongoing efforts and the key role the country is playing in protecting intellectual property rights, and it raises awareness about such systems among all segments of society.

“The application of intellectual property rights will play an important role in encouraging intellectual creativity, and educational participation among individuals, in addition to respecting the individual’s creativity and protecting it against illegal violations. Such systems will aid in developing the standard of the educational services, teaching programmes and tools, while creating a secure environment, one that follows a globally-recognised standards,” Al Obaidli added.