As part of KAUST's Strategic National Advancement, the Social Responsibility Department and Distinguished Initiative Organization (DIO) have joined forces to develop resilient and highly educated local talent. The two parties recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support local teachers by enhancing pedagogical practices, enriching educational activities, providing innovative opportunities, and building strong foundations for them to realize their full potential.
The agreement came to fruition as a result of the collaborative efforts of KAUST and DIO to assist the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's national priorities. In one of their newest efforts, KAUST Social Responsibility department and DIO are collaborating on a number of activities to express appreciation for teachers in the region in honor of World Teachers’ Day on October 5.
The primary event is the Jeddah Distinguished Teacher Award and Exhibition for honorees selected from a competitive pool of teachers.
As a community driven initiative, the award aims to achieve intellectual development and professional excellence in education, to contribute in encouraging teachers to be proud of their profession and support their ideas, while highlighting their important role in the community, fueling competitiveness, honoring top performers, and allowing parents and students to appreciate their efforts.
In support of the celebration, KAUST Social Responsibility have produced an original song and music video that aims to unite teachers, students, and the community by expressing gratitude for local educators.
The unique Arabic song titled #weappreciateyou is sung by the popular artist Zena Emad. Her vocals perfectly support the cheerful, uplifting, and inspirational message, whilst the video features children from kindergarten age upwards as well as teachers from local schools and The KAUST School.
