Teachers from various public schools in the UAE are being introduced to the country's culture, history and social values at a forum in Abu Dhabi so that they can instil national identity and promote loyalty among students.

The fourth annual National and Foreign Teachers Forum - started on August 22 and will continue until September 12 - is being hosted by the National Archives of the UAE.

The forum introduces teachers to the culture, history and social values of the UAE and to the education methods that are influenced by the strongly held traditions of tolerance and coexistence amongst the many nationalities in the UAE.

It is designed to encourage teachers who have been nominated by the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (Adec), the Ministry of Education, or the Emirates National Schools, to promote a sense of national loyalty and belonging among their students. Organisers said they believed that such a programme will prepare students to assume their responsibilities towards the homeland in the future.

Dr Abdullah Alraisi, director-general of the National Archives, said: "We introduce participants to the National Archives, its functions and objectives, and the services that it offers to its audience of beneficiaries. "The National Archives, in cooperation with its strategic partners, is keen to inspire the educational system in public schools to consolidate our national identity and promote loyalty and belonging among students." The National Archives also seeks to enrich the educational process and bridge the gap between teachers and students as part of its contribution to the national educational process and for the success of the educational process in public schools.

Also included in the programme of the forum is a lecture by Dr Aisha Bilkhair, research advisor at the National Archives.

Titled "History and Culture of the United Arab Emirates," the lecture will endeavour to show how the happiness of the UAE people has its foundations in mutual tolerance and acceptance. It will also highlight the role played by the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in instilling values implied by the meaning of its original name, which was 'Emirates of the Reconciled Coast'.

The lecture will also address the historical background of the UAE, which has its origins in the civilisation of Umm Al Nar, showing that the UAE is not a recently emerging civilisation. It will also touch on salient characteristics of the UAE society as well as its societal norms and values.

"It is hoped that the lecture will motivate foreign teachers to make a positive impact while educating their students and adhering to the best practices during the educational process so as to inculcate positive rather than negative attitudes. This lecture will also allow teachers to prepare students for living in one of the best nations in the world," said education authorities.

Teachers are also having a tour of the National Archives as part of the activities at the forum, to explore the various facilities, which are research friendly. The tour intends to inform teachers and other participants of the myriad of materials that are available to the researcher, including maps, historical documents, photographs and multimedia.

Source: Khaleej Times