Dubai International Academy Shortlisted In Top 10 For Global Environmental School Prize

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (DIA EH), celebrated for its outstanding rating by KHDA and its status as the city's only IB Continuum School, has achieved a significant milestone. It has been selected for the Top 10 shortlist for the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action.

The awards, set up by T4 Education in partnership with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, recognize educational institutions worldwide for their contributions to various sectors. The selected winners of this year's competition will share a prize fund of $50,000 and will be honored at the World Schools Summit, scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 23-24, 2024.

Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, expressed pride in the student-led climate action movement within their schools, highlighting it as a distinctive feature that integrates into the community and school culture. Bhojani emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture of activism, providing platforms for students' voices, and promoting environmental awareness and action.

The DIA EH community, comprising over 5,000 students, parents, and staff, showcased exceptional commitment by collecting 1,000 kg of E-waste during World Environment Day and 1,914 kg during Campus Sustainability Month. This initiative has extended beyond the school premises, with students collaborating with local businesses to place E-waste bins in the community. The school's Eco Club, with a 15-year history, plays a vital role in addressing environmental issues, including plastic pollution and E-waste, and even hosted a model COP28 event.

Embedding sustainability in the curriculum, DIA EH aligns every unit of inquiry with a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. Collaborative efforts, such as Year 2 students exploring habitats and senior members teaching water conservation, foster a culture of shared responsibility. The school's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through initiatives like repairing and donating bicycles, refurbishing old iPads and laptops for online learning in Africa, and promoting car-pooling, cycling, and walking. A campaign led to tripling the number of car-free students.

Hitesh Bhagat, Principal of DIA Emirates Hills, highlighted the impact of student-led initiatives on environmental awareness, global citizenship, and dedication to making a difference. Bhagat praised the global-minded community's efforts, which have now been recognized by the shortlisting for the World's Best School prize.

Should DIA EH emerge victorious in the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action, the institution plans to utilize the prize money to advance sustainability efforts further. The proposed initiatives include establishing hydroponic systems for growing organic vegetables on campus, which will not only reduce the school's carbon footprint but also enhance student engagement in eco-friendly practices. This move aligns with DIA EH's ongoing commitment to leadership in environmental education and action.