Photo: File used for illustrative purposes
Parents in Abu Dhabi whose children attend government schools can now earn rewards by becoming more involved in their children's academic lives. The Behavioural Rewards Programme, known as ‘Danat Behaviour’ in Arabic, has been introduced in the emirate to foster collaboration among students, parents, and public schools. The program offers incentives like gift vouchers for participating in various activities, including academic support, community service, sports events, and cultural programs. The initiative will be implemented through a smart application that enables families to monitor their participation and accumulate points for completing activities, according to Saeed Al Junaibi, lead innovation specialist at the emirate's Department of Community Development (DCD).
“Currently, we are conducting a trial at one of the schools in Abu Dhabi, with plans to officially launch the programme in the first half of 2025,” Al Junaibi said.
The project was initiated by the Darat Al Damiya community center in partnership with the National Programme for Behavioural Rewards, known as Fazaa. The rewards system is designed to engage both parents and children. For instance, families can earn points by helping their kids with homework or participating in community service and school events. Contributions will be assessed by teachers, creating a comprehensive feedback loop involving students, parents, and educators, referred to as a “360-degree evaluation”. In this system, feedback is gathered from multiple perspectives: students report their experiences, parents reflect on their involvement, and teachers evaluate the impact on academic and social development.
“This will be a 360-degree evaluation,” Al Junaibi said. “It’s crucial that families participate together, as this promotes shared responsibility and learning.” Families can earn “behavioural danats”, which can be redeemed for various prizes. For example, participation in community events may allow families to collect points that can be exchanged for rewards at local venues. While the initial rollout is limited to government schools, there are discussions about expanding the programme in the future. Al Junaibi noted that the program aims not only to enhance academic performance but also to strengthen family bonds and instill a sense of social responsibility among students.
Shaikha Al Hosani, a Gitex visitor who learned about the programme at the tech event, praised the project, stating that it could help cultivate a generation that values cooperation and social responsibility. “This initiative represents a significant step toward building a cohesive society,” she said. “By investing in positive behaviors, we are paving the way for a brighter future for all Emiratis.”
