When discussing the role of the "neighborhood" in the literature of Emirati culture, we come across a deeply rooted concept that the school and the neighborhood share the same educational role in guiding, nurturing, and supporting the youth in their journey toward the future. This future includes the individuals, the community, and the nation, all within a framework of absolute care for the integrity of raising children in all its dimensions and components.
In line with this vision, the Emirates Schools Establishment launched the "Freejna School" project, under which schools become community centers hosting various sports, cultural, scientific, and social activities involving all community members along with students after school hours and on holidays. This transforms public schools into community beacons, leading the community movement toward achieving the desired comprehensive development.
"Freejna School" is one of the transformational projects under the performance agreements for federal government entities for 2023-2024. These agreements represent qualitative projects that will propel the state toward the future and enhance its competitiveness. These projects are characterized by achieving significant impact across all sectors within short timeframes, serving as phased plans to achieve strategic results relied upon by wise leadership to keep the UAE always at the forefront.
The "Freejna School" project embodies a renewed vision of the role of schools and the community in enhancing the UAE's achievements through its first and foremost investment in its children. The strong relationship between the school and the community, or the neighborhood, can prepare generations for the future, generations for the nation and society. The school is a house of knowledge, and the neighborhood is a school of life and values, with their roles complementing each other to serve an educational journey that the UAE has devoted all capabilities to, ensuring it remains productive and a creator of future leaders. The school and the neighborhood together form a duality for a brighter future as we desire for ourselves, our children, and our country.