• The new facilities aim to inspire students to love nature

• The farm provides immersive learning in the lap of nature that goes beyond the classroom

• The Forest and Farm School houses a collection of animals and plants to enhance practical learning

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: GEMS Wesgreen International School in Sharjah (WGP) has launched the first forest and farm school in the emirate, in a move aimed at enhancing sustainability, students’ quality of life and happiness, preserving the environment and improving their educational experience.

The Forest and Farm School is designed as an immersive, interactive and experience-rich, outdoor classroom away from traditional education, providing students with a unique and hands-on learning experience in the lap of nature. Students also experience a comprehensive approach to learning across the curriculum, integrating subjects and skills including language, science, mathematics and creativity.

Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, said: “We are delighted to launch the Forest and Farm School at Wesgreen School. It is a fantastic initiative and the first of its kind in Sharjah, embodying our commitment to sustainability and practical, applied learning on climate and environmental issues. We hope that our students will be inspired by their experiences with Animals and Forest School and that they gain a deeper understanding of the demands of our planet and the importance of preserving it for future generations as part of their comprehensive education. My message to them: Always experience, learn and have fun.”

The farm houses a variety of animals, ranging from goats and rabbits to turtles, pigeons, chickens, and exotic birds including cockatiels, sparrows and peacocks. This lively, interactive environment enhances students' awareness of the needs of animals, while instilling in them a sense of responsibility and enhancing their sense of environmental awareness. These activities also reinforce students' commitment to sustainable environmental practices such as organic farming, recycling and waste reduction.

James MacDonald, Principal of GEMS Wesgreen International School in Sharjah, said: “The entire GEMS Wesgreen community is very excited to see the Forest and Farm School come to life. We wanted to provide an enriching and inspiring environment for the students to get to know nature closely and carry the torch of environmental activists, as we believe in the necessity of preserving "Our planet."

Addressing the school’s young environmental ambassadors, MacDonald added: “In your hands you hold the key to the future of our planet – a future waiting to be shaped by courage, determination and compassion. Every step, every seed you plant, or every animal you care for contributes to promoting environmental harmony. Take advantage of the opportunities available. “I come before you with the spirit of curiosity, curiosity, dedication and commitment to leaving your mark on this world. Your actions, no matter how small, have the power to bring about positive change on a global scale.”

Ahmed Saad, a tenth year student, said: “It is amazing that we have a forest school and a farm in the school. Learning about animals and plants outside of textbooks is so much better. The interactive experiences and real-life learning make everything more fun.”

The school enables students to effectively apply their knowledge and cognitive skills in solving real-world problems. These experiences enhance the physical, social and emotional development of children, which contributes significantly to achieving academic excellence.

GEMS Wesgreen International School is ranked as one of the most advanced schools in the UAE, achieving remarkable progress in 98 standards according to the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). These improvements reflect the school's commitment to providing a comprehensive and innovative learning experience, nurturing academic excellence, character development, and community building, with a continued focus on 21st century skills, with the goal of empowering students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

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About GEMS Education Group

GEMS Education is one of the largest and most established K-12 private education providers in the world, and the best choice for high-level private education in the MENA region. The group, a local Emirati company founded in 1959, has an exceptional record in terms of the diversity of approaches and options it offers to meet social and economic needs. Today, GEMS Education provides its services to more than 130,000 students in 63 schools in the Middle East and North Africa region. Through its growing network of schools and its charitable foundation, it works to achieve its founder’s vision of providing the highest levels of education for every child.

© Press Release 2023