Premier Celebrates Nova Scotia's Education Export Opportunities

NOTE: A social media version of this release with high-resolution, downloadable photographs is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-10-21-Abu-Dhabi/ .

Nova Scotia's education system was again on the world stage today, Oct. 21, as Premier Darrell Dexter joined students and faculty to officially open the renovated Abu Dhabi Grammar School.

The opening is part of the premier's trade mission to the Middle East and Korea.

The Abu Dhabi Grammar School, in the United Arab Emirates, has been delivering the Nova Scotia Public School Program since 1996. More than 750 students who attend the school will receive an education based on the Nova Scotia curriculum this year.

"For years, students from all over the world have been benefitting from Nova Scotia's public school program and developing a strong connection to our province," said Premier Dexter. "By continuing to build relationships with international schools, we are exposing students to the outstanding post-secondary and career options our province offers, while enhancing our reputation as a global education system, and growing our economy."

The Abu Dhabi Grammar School was renovated to add a gymnasium, pool and cafeteria. A new high school building adds 10 classrooms, a science lab, dance studio, music room and computer lab.

Fatima Assad, owner and principal of the Abu Dhabi Grammar School, said she is pleased and honoured to have the premier of Nova Scotia attend the official opening of her school.

"Over the past 15 years, we have enjoyed the support and relationship of the government of Nova Scotia as we work to offer and promote Nova Scotia education in Abu Dhabi," said Ms. Assad. "Many students have benefitted from Nova Scotia's outstanding curriculum, and have gone on to be quite successful in their post secondary studies in institutions all over the world."

During his visit, the premier encouraged students to consider the many post secondary options that are available in Nova Scotia.

"As these bright students continue their educational journey, I hope they will explore the many programs our 11 universities and 13 community college campuses offer," said Premier Dexter.

There are 11 international schools in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and China, that offer the Nova Scotia Public School Program. Students who attend the province's international schools participate in the Program of Learning Assessment for Nova Scotia, which includes provincial, national and international assessments.

Last year, Nova Scotia's international programs brought in about $850,000 in revenue for the province. More than 1,800 students outside Canada will receive a Nova Scotia education this year.