By Zahra Gail Fragata & Zareth Lim
Far Eastern Private School (Al Shahba) hosted its annual Moral Education Week from April 24 to 27, with its closing ceremony on May 3, to instill core values for a brighter future. The event had a variety of activities and contests for FEPSians to show their dedication to making the Earth a better place.
To begin Moral Education Week on April 24 to 25, enthusiastic Social Studies Club members and volunteers brought the students to the Morality Pavilion in the activity room. The pavilion was an incredible testament to the power of education in maintaining and enhancing morals. This exhibit had several sections, each highlighting a different aspect of moral education and sustainable practices. The Timeline of Morals provided a fascinating look at the evolution of ethical values throughout history, underscoring their ongoing relevance in today’s world. It prominently showed the Pillars of Morality, reminding students of principles that guide ethical behaviors. The Sustainable Students board was a powerful display of the school’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing the many sustainable actions by students throughout the year. Additionally, the Promise Board provided a heartwarming space for students to reflect on their values and inspire positive change, while the Innovation Board sparked creativity and imagination, encouraging students to dream up new inventions that could positively affect the world. Overall, the pavilion demonstrated the school’s commitment to moral education and sustainable practices.
A selection of exciting competitions that welcomed students of every age followed the Morality Pavilion. One Good Rhyme contest, scheduled for April 26th, was a poem writing competition for Grades 4-6 that challenged students to craft a rhyming poem about one of their good deeds to show the importance of moral values in our daily lives. The Colors of Sustainability contest, which also took place on April 26th, was a poster-making competition for grades 5-10, encouraging students to create visually appealing posters about their vision of a sustainable future to support sustainable practices and environmental conservation. For younger students, the Color Me contest ran from April 24th to April 27th, inviting kindergarten 1-2 and grades 1-3 students to showcase their artistic skills and creativity by coloring in a provided illustration that promotes moral values and ethical behavior. These contests were a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate their sustainable practices and showcase their talents and creativity. Aside from all the activities during the week, students were also welcome to visit the Henna Booth in the school library to have their hands decorated with designs by fellow students.
The Model Education contest for Moral Education Week has taken an eco-friendly twist this year, with each class from grade 7 to grade 10 tasked with creating a diorama of a UAE landmark using only recycled materials. This exciting competition challenges students to think creatively and consider the importance of sustainability and environmental awareness in our society. Each class is assigned a different landmark, and students must work together to design and create a three-dimensional model that reflects unique features and the cultural significance of their site. With the deadline set on May 1st, students were at work, using their ingenuity and resourcefulness to transform everyday items into stunning works of art. This contest was an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talents and promote the values of sustainability and ethical behavior to their peers and the wider community.
On the culmination day of Moral Education Week, the multi-purpose court was bustling with students excited to recognize moral education and their fellow students’ achievements. This event is the perfect opportunity for students to be recognized and awarded for their hard work and dedication during the week-long celebrations. The winners of various contests, the Model Education diorama-making competition, the One Good Rhyme poem-writing competition, and the Colors of Sustainability poster-making contest, were applauded by students for their creativity and innovation. Between the awarding ceremonies and during the intervals, the Maharlika Dance Troupe and Banda present dance and music performances for the audience. This highly anticipated event provides a platform for students to showcase their skills, celebrate their achievements, and promote the values of moral education to the entire school community.
In conclusion, Moral Education Week reminds us that values like empathy, respect, and responsibility are the building blocks of a prosperous and thriving society. As we focus on the theme “Sustaining the Values of Today for a Thriving Tomorrow,” we invest in our student’s future but in the betterment and the world at large. This initiative has the potential to instill positive values in future generations, paving the way for a more equitable and just society. FEPS lets us commit to sustaining these values, guiding and supporting the younger generation in their journey to become ethical leaders of a more sustainable tomorrow.