Abu dhabi: Aldar is collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to support the continuity of extracurricular activities for students, by offering alternative spaces across its retail, hospitality, and community portfolios. This initiative aims to ensure student engagement, community wellbeing, and the resilience of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during the ongoing period of distance learning across Abu Dhabi schools.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership facilitates the ongoing delivery of extracurricular activities, which are crucial for student development. These activities, including sports, creative programs, and youth development offerings, help maintain engagement and balanced growth alongside distance learning, ensuring students and families have access to structured, high-quality experiences.
With restricted access to school campuses, many providers, who have enduring roles within their communities, face challenges in delivering their programs. The initiative addresses these challenges by offering alternative venues that preserve trusted relationships, maintain program quality, and enable providers to contribute to Abu Dhabi's education and community ecosystem.
Selected venues such as community centers, shopping malls, and hospitality assets provide accessible and community-focused environments. These venues, with their high footfall and central locations, offer participating SMEs broader access to students and families, supporting program continuity and boosting participation. By activating these spaces, Aldar leverages its diverse portfolio to support community engagement.
Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach at Aldar, emphasized the company's dedication to supporting learning continuity and enrichment opportunities for students, while also aiding the SMEs essential for these programs. In collaboration with ADEK, Aldar is mobilizing its assets to meet community needs, ensuring connectivity and support during distance learning. This initiative reflects Aldar's commitment to creating long-term social value and fostering resilient, inclusive communities across Abu Dhabi.
Participating SMEs include established extracurricular providers from across Abu Dhabi, such as Jump Sports, Storm Sports, Atomics, CF Tennis, AD Knights, Arabian Swim School, Pass Abu Dhabi, Capital Netball, Four Notes, MVMT, and Athletics Academy. Collectively, they support a variety of programs for students and families throughout the Emirate.
This initiative underscores Aldar's commitment to supporting communities and contributing to a resilient and adaptive education and SME ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
