- The policy features a framework designed to ensure the fair implementation of the initiative across Abu Dhabi’s Private and Charter Schools
- Vaccination of students aged below 16 remains optional
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued Abu Dhabi Private and Charter Schools a policy to regulate the implementation of the Blue Schools Initiative recently approved by Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic.
Building on the success of health and safety measures implemented in schools during the pandemic, the initiative offers Abu Dhabi schools a clear roadmap to normalcy by providing customized privileges based on student vaccination rates, supporting schools to gradually relax measures and return to normal operations.
The policy, which builds upon the Private School Reopening Policies and Guidelines 2021/22 and its compliance program, provides a comprehensive framework for the initiative, including a guide on the formula used to calculate student vaccination rates, how privileges will be applied to schools, in addition to mandates for schools on anti-discrimination policies against unvaccinated students.
H.E Amer Al Hammadi, ADEK Undersecretary commented: “Our policy is designed to enable an efficient and effective implementation of the Blue Schools Initiative and provides full transparency to our education community as we strive to see schools return to normalcy at the earliest opportunity.”
“The policy mandates schools to establish clear anti-discrimination and anti-stigmatization guidelines in line with the values of the UAE. Schools are strictly prohibited from requiring the mandatory vaccination of students below the age of 16;," added H.E Al Hammadi.
To date, all staff and students aged 16 and above currently attending Abu Dhabi's Private and Charter Schools have been vaccinated, leaving students under 16 as the only primarily unvaccinated group since vaccination for this category remains voluntary according to government protocols. The Blue Schools Initiative recognizes vaccination as the key path to recovery and encourages immunization of this remaining group, increasing their protection against COVID-19 and minimizing the impact of possible infections.
Under the initiative, as vaccination rates increase within a school community, a school will advance through the four color-coded tiers: Orange, Yellow, Green, and Blue, and will enjoy additional privileges per tier. The school-wide incentives range from relaxation of physical distancing, gradual school closures, and mask-wearing protocols, and will allow for increases in classroom and bus capacity, the reintroduction of field trips, on-campus events, and extra-curricular activities including team and contact sports, as well as inter and intra-school sports competitions.
For more information about the policy, please go to https://adek.gov.ae/-/media/Project/TAMM/ADEK/Docs/Blue-Schools-Initiative-Policy-EN.pdf
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About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner’s journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialized schools.
Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination.
ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi’s needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate.
With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognizes that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi’s vision.
© Press Release 2021
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