Khalifa International Award For Early Learning Nominations Open Until December 31

The Khalifa International Award for Early Learning has seen remarkable global interest in its nomination process this year. The committee members expressed pride in the widespread participation from international early childhood institutions and researchers. These participants submitted detailed nominations highlighting effective practices in early childhood care worldwide.

Applications for the award are open to candidates worldwide until 31st December through the designated website. A technical support team is dedicated to ensuring smooth and high-quality submissions, which will be evaluated by specialised Screening Committees. This was discussed during a recent Zoom meeting attended by notable figures in early childhood education.

Among the attendees were Professor Steven Barnett, Founding Director of the National Institute for Early Childhood Education Research at Rutgers University, who also chairs the Awarding Committee. Other participants included Professor Iram Siraj from the University of Oxford, Professor Nirmala Rao from the University of Hong Kong, Professor Jana Fleming from the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and Dr. Mira Al Kaabi from the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

Amal Al-Afeefi, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, highlighted the meeting's importance in updating efforts to increase awareness and review submissions. She mentioned that workshops are being conducted and that the Award is participating in significant events like the Early Childhood Development Exhibition in Abu Dhabi and the Global Educational Supplies and Solutions Exhibition in Dubai.

Al-Afeefi noted that this Award signifies a major step forward in supporting early childhood development on multiple levels. It aligns with leadership directives to nurture this crucial societal segment by fostering environments for healthy growth and talent discovery, preparing children for future leadership roles.

Evaluation Process and Future Goals

Dr. Steven Barnett emphasised that this phase is crucial as it marks the final stage for receiving submissions. The committees exchanged insights on evaluation processes to ensure transparency and objectivity when assessing projects in categories like Best Research and Studies, as well as Best Programmes, Curricula, Teaching Methodologies, and Practices.

Discussions also focused on aligning submission reviews with the Khalifa Award for Education's mission to promote global excellence in early childhood care through innovative practices aimed at future readiness.

With inputs from WAM