The Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy signed an agreement with Gulf Capital of Abu Dhabi, a leading regional alternative investment firm, to support the Foundation's "Public Schools' Curriculum Innovation Grant Project."

The agreement launches the third edition of the Project, a programme created to fund inspirational upgrades to curricula in UAE public schools.

It was signed by Emirates Foundation's CEO Clare Woodcraft and Gulf Capital's CEO Dr Karim El Solh, in the presence of senior officials from the two organisations.

The Emirates Foundation's "Public Schools' Curriculum Innovation Grant Project" challenges educators to design innovative methods of delivering the school curriculum - encouraging new and reflective teaching methods while equipping young Emiratis with a desire to learn throughout life.

Clare Woodcraft commented: "This grant project reflects the Emirates Foundation's commitment to supporting innovation in both teaching and learning. There is a clear need to deepen students' love of learning and to develop creative thinking ability among the young people of the UAE at an early age.

"The programme offers opportunities and rewards to encourage development of teaching aids which will in turn inspire and stimulate UAE students." 

Through this agreement, Gulf Capital will support eight schools across the UAE in a range of activities during the current academic year. The aim is to enhance the learning experience for Emirati youth. Some of the projects to be funded by Gulf Capital this year offer an integrated creative approach to learning and involve parents and teachers in the process, thus strengthening the partnership between school and home. 
Other schools initiatives are intended to encourage students to become more engaged in science and science-related subjects, while one project will equip a school with a comprehensive IT information system.

Dr Karim El Solh highlighted Gulf Capital's intention to partner with the Foundation on such worthy and valuable initiatives. "Gulf Capital is proud to be collaborating with Emirates Foundation through its Corporate Responsibility Programme on such meaningful initiatives. These will clearly benefit the education sector in the UAE. This agreement will go a long way to encourage more schools to adopt innovation and technology which will enhance the teaching and learning experience of youths in the UAE." 

Dr Subha Al Shamsi, Senior Executive Advisor for Education and Social Development at the Emirates Foundation, commented: "In previous rounds, the Foundation has offered some 20 similar grants to various schools. 

"This important curriculum enhancement programme is now one of our established range of purposeful education initiatives in various sectors, such as school library development grants, PhD fellowships, teacher training and education research grants." 

Dr. El Solh concluded: "The best investment we can make today is in improving the quality of the education of our youth and in equipping them with the best tools and skill-set to help prepare them for a bright future. The work of the Emirates Foundation goes a long way towards achieving these goals and Gulf Capital is proud to be associated with such a worthy cause."