Sharjah Ruler Unveils Plan For Eight New Nurseries To Boost Early Education

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance nursery facilities in Sharjah. The initiative includes the establishment of eight new nurseries: three in Sharjah, two in Kalba, two in Khorfakkan, and one in Dibba Al Hisn. Additionally, existing nurseries in the Central Region will be expanded.

During a phone call on the "Direct Line" programme aired on Sharjah Radio and Television, hosted by Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, His Highness shared details about the plan. He also announced that 11 existing nurseries inside schools will be replaced, and central kitchens will be built in each region to prepare nutritious meals for children.

His Highness highlighted the recent graduation of 535 teachers from the Sharjah Education Academy. The graduates completed postgraduate diploma programmes in education, Master’s in Teacher Leadership, and specialised certificate programmes in early childhood education. All degrees were awarded by the University of Helsinki in Finland.

"Our goal is to advance the teaching profession not just in Sharjah but across the entire United Arab Emirates," said His Highness. "We cover the expenses of their education and urge the Ministry of Education to assess teachers based on their knowledge and teaching methods before hiring them."

Regarding government nurseries, His Highness noted that fees are set at AED800 per month for high-quality services. "We've established over 33 nurseries in Sharjah, but demand is growing," he said. "We plan to introduce two new nurseries in Kalba, with construction expected to take a maximum of 10 months."

Addressing children's nutrition, His Highness mentioned that some parents were sending unhealthy snacks with their children. "We will provide nutritious meals via a central kitchen in Kalba," he said. "No outside food is allowed into the nursery to safeguard children's well-being."

In Khorfakkan, a new nursery has been established adjacent to existing ones that were closed when schools ceased operating. Plans are underway to build two additional nurseries in Al Harai and Al Bredi areas, along with a central kitchen for meal preparation.

Dibba Al Hisn currently has one nursery but requires another. "We will build another nursery in Dibba Al Hisn," said His Highness.

The Central Region's nursery buildings will be extended due to full capacity issues. A central kitchen in Mleiha will distribute food to nurseries in Al Dhaid and Al Madam. In Al Hamriyah, a nursery still has 40% capacity vacant.

"We pay attention to every detail of the child's experience in these nurseries," said His Highness. "Specialists ensure that children receive proper food and sleep, play enjoyably, and learn through engaging methods."

This initiative aims to lay a strong foundation for children's education before they progress to secondary school and university. "Improving the foundation for learning sets future generations on the right path," concluded His Highness.

With inputs from WAM