Students in Dubai schools get a taste of farm life

Eggs are being fertilised in an incubator as part of the Hatching Programme and (below) a student holding a chick hatched as part of the programme. - Supplied photos

More than 3,000 students from Dubai schools looked after chicken eggs and helped them hatch into downy chicks through a chick hatching outreach programme. The programme had provided each participating school a comprehensive hatching kit with fertilised embryo-carrying eggs, incubator, brooder box, drinker and feeder.
The third cycle of the hatching programme saw school participation explode, with well-known names in education climbing on board - such as the Indian High School, Deira International School, GEMS Wellington Silicon Oasis, Cambridge International School, Dubai International Academy, Australian International School, GEMS International School and GEMS Our Own High School. The GEMs Wellington school set up a live feed on periscope.tv for the duration of the programme. The feed attracted more than 14,000 viewers following the chicks' progress online.
According to Emirates Modern Poultry Co., also known as Al Rawdah, who spearheaded the programme, the initiative will help instil appreciation of nature in students, help them learn about animal life and sustainable poultry rearing practices.
Al Rawdah experts taught students to monitor the birds' growth cycle from fertilisation onwards. By using candling techniques, children were able to identify fertile eggs, and to view the embryo within. The candling process illuminates the interior of an egg so children can see what lies inside the eggshell.
"The children saw the entire process of chick birth and growth first-hand in the classroom. This gave them a new appreciation of animal welfare and also an awareness on the importance of rearing poultry in the right conditions," said Jeanette Kristensen Alhaider, general manager sales and marketing, Al Rawdah.
The hatching of the newborn birds was the highlight of the programme. The eggs wobbled and cheeped before breaks appeared in their shells and inquisitive beaks popped out. Tiny chicks then slowly emerged and kicked themselves free. Students cheered on the newborn birds as they dried out and transformed into cute balls of fluff. The learners then helped transfer the chicks to their brooder boxes where they ate and took their very first drink before turning to socialise with their companions.
Al Rawdah's Dubai Hatching Programme is designed to help students understand environmental issues better, and help them discuss key issues surrounding animal welfare and, food hygiene. It bridges the gap between farm and table to promote an understanding of where healthy food comes from.
Hatching programme for children
Al Rawdah's Dubai Hatching Programme is designed to help students understand environmental issues better, and help them discuss key issues surrounding animal welfare and, food hygiene. It bridges the gap between farm and table to promote an understanding of where healthy food comes from.
saman@khaleejtimes.com