The Sharjah Ruler recently announced a plan to enhance nursery facilities in the emirates by establishing 8 new nurseries in various locations. These include 3 in Sharjah, 2 in Kalba, 2 in Khorfakkan, and one in Dibba Al Hisn. Moreover, existing nurseries within schools will be replaced, and central kitchens will be built in each region to provide nutritious meals for children.
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi highlighted that the government nurseries offer top-notch services at a reasonable monthly fee of Dh800. He emphasized the need to meet the increasing demand for nurseries by constructing new facilities and reinstating school nurseries that had ceased operations. The aim is to provide adequate space and quality care for children in Kalba and other areas.
To ensure the children’s health and wellbeing, a central kitchen in Kalba will prepare nutritious meals suitable for each child’s age, discouraging parents from sending unhealthy snacks to nurseries. No outside food is allowed inside the nurseries to safeguard the children’s health. Plans are underway to establish new nurseries in Khorfakkan and Dibba Al Hisn, along with central kitchens for meal preparation.
The Central Region will see expansions of existing nursery buildings to address the full capacity issue. A central kitchen in Mleiha will distribute food to nurseries in Al Dhaid and Al Madam, while nurseries in the Al Hamriyah area still have 40% vacancy. The focus is on providing children with a conducive learning environment by paying attention to every detail and ensuring that they learn, play, and rest comfortably.
Dr Sheikh Sultan emphasized the importance of early childhood education in laying a strong foundation for children before they progress to higher levels of education. The provision of specialists in early learning, along with a focus on food and sleep routines, is crucial for the overall development of children. The goal is to set the younger generation on the right path for future success.
In addition to the nursery enhancements, the Sharjah Education Academy recently graduated 535 teachers who completed various education programs. The aim is to elevate the standard of teaching in the UAE by providing specialized training and education opportunities to teachers. The academy covers the expenses of education for teachers and aims to improve the quality of teaching nationwide. The Ministry of Education is urged to assess teachers based on their knowledge and methods before hiring them to ensure high-quality education standards.