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The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has unveiled a comprehensive Emiratisation strategy designed to significantly increase the number of Emirati teachers in private schools throughout the emirate. This ambitious initiative aims to recruit over 2,000 Emirati educators within the next five years, aligning with broader national objectives to enhance local representation in the workforce.
Strategic Collaborations and Goals
This policy is a collaborative effort involving ADEK, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and the UAE Competitiveness Council, leveraging the national Nafis programme to achieve its goals. Through this synergy, the policy connects Emiratisation targets to the specific needs of schools while ensuring employment commitments are met. It offers Emirati citizens clear career pathways, bolstered by training, professional development, and financial incentives.
Emphasis on Education and Development
The policy is grounded in the Abu Dhabi Educators Competency Framework, which was developed with the Emirates College for Educational Development. This framework emphasizes six core values and competencies: Emirati national identity, cultural respect, integrity, humility, excellence, and continuous learning. These principles aim to cultivate a workforce that is not only skilled but also aligned with national values.
Implementation and Employment Opportunities
Strategic agreements have been signed with key educational institutions to ensure the policy translates into tangible job opportunities. Notable partnerships include commitments from Taaleem, SABIS, GEMS Education, International Community Schools, and Liwa Education. These partnerships collectively promise to hire hundreds of Emirati educators, creating a significant number of jobs in the sector.
Initial Focus and Long-term Vision
The initial phase of recruitment will concentrate on subjects such as social studies, Arabic language, and Islamic education. This focus aims to seamlessly integrate Emirati teachers into the educational system, allowing them to contribute to and enhance the cultural and educational fabric of schools.
Training and Professional Development
To support this initiative, ADEK, in collaboration with MOHRE and the UAE Competitiveness Council, has launched several specialized training programs. The Medad program, for instance, offers an introductory experience of the teaching profession, while the ‘Be a Teacher’ initiative provides postgraduate educational qualifications to promising individuals. These programs are designed to eliminate barriers to entering the teaching profession and ensure a steady influx of qualified Emirati teachers.
Incentives and Support Systems
The Teachers programme, a cornerstone of the Nafis strategy, aims to build a robust pool of Emirati educators by offering financial incentives and training. Participants in the Teacher track may receive a monthly incentive of up to Dh4,000 during their training period, further encouraging participation and commitment to the profession.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi’s Emiratisation policy for private schools represents a significant step towards increasing local participation in the education sector. By providing structured career paths, comprehensive training, and financial support, the initiative not only seeks to meet immediate educational needs but also aims to build a sustainable ecosystem of Emirati educators for the future.
