Dubai, Aug 16, 2004: Creative use of pencils is a recurring theme during the Back-2-School Surprises 2004 as the Department of Economic Development has devised several innovative and interactive events using pencils.

"The Back-2-School Surprises offers an ideal opportunity to celebrate the various educational instruments. One of the first tools of learning that a child is introduced to at school is a pencil and this remains an important part of a student's life," said Ms Dhabya Buti Al Suwaidi, Head of Back-2-School Surprises committee at the DED. "The DED has decided to organise several events to have fun with pencils in order to introduce this important educational tool to children in a fun-filled manner," she added.

Two interesting and innovative activities being organized by the Department during the Back-2-School Surprises this year are "Build a tower with Pencils" at Deira City Centre and "The Pencil Classroom" at Bur Juman Centre.

A four-metre tall tower has been set up at Deira City Centre with several holes drilled into the material. Children can collect pencils from the official, sharpen them and fit them into the desired fissures. On an average, more than 15,000 pencils are fitted into the model each day to reach the pre-set objective of covering the entire model with 100,000 pencils, by the end of the Back-2-School Surprises week. Participating children are also presented with gifts and certificates.

The Pencil Classroom at Bur Juman Centre depicts another resourceful use of pencils as the model of an entire classroom has been made with pencils. The model showcases all the elements that a child would expect to find in a classroom including a desk, chair, blackboard and the like thus enabling him to familiarize himself with a classroom environment in a fun-filled manner.

-Ends- 

Note to Editors:
About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) was established in March 1992, with the objective to organise, regulate and boost trade and industry within the Emirate of Dubai. The DED has moulded its mission of building a futuristic establishment, in accordance with the vision of the Government of Dubai and in the light of globalisation and the requirements of a digital economy. One of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial and industrial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors. 

The DED's other functions comprise a wide range of regulatory activities including the preparation and maintenance of a commercial register and the supervision of all organisations. The DED is responsible for regulating the affairs of commercial agents and brokers and commercial advertising offices, in addition to overseeing and controlling the insurance industry in the Emirate. Examining the participation of the government in the private sector and representing the government in companies where it has a stake, also comes under the purview of the DED.

For further information, please contact:
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P O Box 28063,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel : (971 4) 3344550;
Fax : (971 4) 3344556
Email : info@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2004