Alef Education, a UAE-based global leader in educational technology, has partnered with the Ministry of Education, Cambridge Partnership for Education – a department of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and the Carbon Literacy Project to offer the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program for students in Grades 5-8 in the United Arab Emirates. This innovative program aims to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices among students nationwide. In a first for the MENA region, it will give students the opportunity to complete a certified carbon literacy course.
The Alef EcoChamps Summer Program, designed specifically for UAE students, consists of 10 lessons aligned with Ministry of Education curriculum topics, including energy, the Earth’s biosphere, consumption, climate action, and innovation for sustainability. The course will be offered through the Alef Platform from July 24 to August 06, 2023, with a more extensive second component available in the first semester of the new academic year in September. This timeline aligns with the upcoming United Nations COP28 Summit on Climate Change in Dubai in November 2023. The self-study course is available in Arabic and English.
Read: Interview: Will Lock, Chief Growth Officer, Alef Education
H.E. Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Education, said: “We are pleased to partner with Alef Education, Cambridge Partnership for Education, and the Carbon Literacy Project to offer the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program to UAE students. This innovative program aligns with our mission to provide a high-quality education system that prepares students to become responsible global citizens and contribute to the sustainable development of our country. We believe that by educating our youth on the importance of climate change and promoting sustainable practices, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come. We commend Alef Education for their commitment to promoting sustainable education and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program on our students.”
Commenting on the launch, Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education, said: “We believe education plays a crucial role in developing a sustainable future. Our mission is to empower young people through the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program, enabling them to understand the intricacies of climate change and motivating them to take concrete action toward a greener and more sustainable UAE. In this way, we enable the next generation to become responsible global citizens who actively contribute to preserving our planet.”
Christine Özden, Global Director of Climate Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, emphasized the importance of the course, saying: “Building knowledge and skills toward carbon literacy is critical for young learners. We are excited to partner with Alef Education, the Ministry of Education, and the Carbon Literacy Project to offer this truly engaging program, enabling students to understand climate change, reduce their carbon footprint, and become catalysts for change in their communities.
Phil Korbel, Co-Founder of the Carbon Literacy Project, said: “Climate change impacts us all, and in the same way, we all can make a difference in minimizing its harm and speeding our transition to a low-carbon society. Enabling this contribution from all citizens is the aim of the Carbon Literacy Project, so we welcome this extraordinary initiative from the Ministry of Education and Alef Education. The Carbon Literate students that are certified in this project are sure to be at the forefront of the UAE’s thriving low carbon future.”
As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable education, Alef Education is pioneering the development of sustainable schools that encourage environmental awareness and equip young people with the knowledge and tools to create a sustainable future. The company is also a strategic partner at the Education Pavilion of the United Nations COP28 summit.
For more information please visit the Alef EcoChamps Summer Program.
For more education-related stories, click here.
