The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has concluded the sixth edition of “Al-Ghaf, the Sustainable Tree” initiative under the slogan “Al-Ghaf is in my Environment”, WAM reports. There are 126 private and public schools participating in the initiative in cooperation with the Emirates Foundation for School Education.
EPAA also announced winners from the Kindergarten, Primary and Intermediate stage schools and secondary education schools.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “The initiative aims to contribute to spreading a culture of environmental awareness among school students and highlight the importance of preserving the Al Ghaf tree and its benefits in the local environment. Our general goal, which falls under a set of objectives, is to educate and provide students with information about the various types of evergreen perennial trees in the region, including the Al Ghaf trees that inhabit the local environment.”
She continued, “The initiative contributes to embodying the visions and directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, regarding preserving the natural environment and emphasising social responsibility in doing so. This is in addition to promoting a culture of environmental sustainability and awareness, and encouraging positive behaviour which benefits the environment.”
Some 126 public and private schools took part from various emirates and regions of the country and implemented a plan of interactive and educational activities about the Al Ghaf trees. One example is the many kindergarten children who planted Al Ghaf seedlings in their homes and schools’ yards, and activities included virtual educational lessons, workshops, educational videos, article writing, and art workshops drawing and colouring the Al Ghaf trees.
The participants’ program activities were judged based on specific criteria according to their academic stages, with first and second place winners selected from each academic stage. The results were as follows: In Kindergartens, Al Baraim Kindergarten came in first place, and Al Qarayen Kindergarten came in second place.
Basic Education, Cycle 1: Rumaitha’a Al Ansariya School for Basic Education won first place, while Ethen School for Basic Education won second place.
Basic Education, Cycle Two: Al-Dhait School for Basic Education C2 came in first, while Umm Al Alala’a School for Basic Education C2 came in second.
Secondary education: Aisha Bint Abibaker School C3 came in first, while Al Itqan School for Cycle 1 & 2 and Secondary Education came in second.
