Abu Dhabi, Feb 12, 2006, (WAM) - An environmental awarenessprogramme that educates students about the UAE's natural environmenthas once again been launched for the academic year in the Emirateof Abu Dhabi.
Around 125,000 students from government and private schoolsparticipated in the programme last year and organizers and sponsorssay they are very pleased with the positive response from teachers,parents and the students themselves, according to a press release.
The programme, entitled 'The Enviro-Spellathon', was launchedtoday, by the Environment Agency - AbuDhabi (EAD) in a ceremony at the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers.
The programme has been implemented in schools for the past 4years and is sponsored by Shell Abu Dhabi.Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Mohamed Defrawi, Managing Directorof Shell Abu Dhabi said, "We are proud to play a role in raisingenvironmental awareness amongst young students. Shell is verymuch aware of the impact environmental issues have on our lives,and we know these young people will play a key role in spreadingthis message to their family, friends and community".
Embodying a unique concept, it has caught on well with studentsand received much praise from parents and students. It is uniquebecause it grows with the child, adapting to the grade levelthey are in. The main aim is to instill in these young students,ages 6-12, an appreciation and understanding of pressing environmentalissues in the UAE. The themes covered this year are: Waste, Water,Wildlife of the City, Wildlife of the Desert and Marine life.
Another aim is to encourage sound environmental behavior in thestudents who can, in turn, influence the attitude of their classmates,parents and siblings at home. Moreover, the programme helps improvethe students' spelling skills through tests and fun spellingactivities.
