Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and Alef Education launch second phase of Bader Educational Awareness Project to enhance school safety

Government

Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and Alef Education launch second phase of Bader Educational Awareness Project to enhance school safety

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), in collaboration with Alef Education, has announced the launch of the second phase of the Bader Educational Awareness Project (2025–2029). Building on the success of its first phase (2021–2024), the initiative aims to further strengthen safety and prevention culture among students across the UAE.

The new phase expands the project’s reach to include 548 public and private schools that benefit from the Alef platform — 173 in Abu Dhabi and 375 across other emirates. It targets 180,000 students in Abu Dhabi and 300,000 nationwide, alongside training 6,000 teachers in Abu Dhabi and 13,000 educators across the UAE, including administrators and school safety officers. The expansion is designed to instill sustainable preventive awareness throughout the educational environment.

A pioneering global initiative

Bader is the first initiative of its kind worldwide, featuring an integrated awareness curriculum that spans all educational stages — from kindergarten to Grade 12. The program progressively incorporates safety and prevention concepts through bilingual, interactive content covering topics such as evacuation procedures, alarms, first aid, fire safety, hazardous materials, and social responsibility.

By 2029, the project will include 13 lessons per cycle, ensuring continuous enhancement of safety education. The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to nurturing a generation capable of protecting themselves and contributing to community well-being and sustainable development.

Measurable impact and national recognition

During its first phase, 357 out of 372 schools participated, reaching nearly 59,000 students — with over 36,000 completing the program, representing 96% of the target schools. An impact assessment showed significant improvements among students:

10.9% increase in emergency preparedness
9.3% rise in self-confidence when responding to emergencies
11.2% improvement in sense of safety and readiness
11.7% growth in willingness to spread awareness among peers

The project’s excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Khalifa Award for Education (2023), the Hamdan bin Rashid Award for Institutions Supporting Education (2024), and the Dubai Quality Group – Ideas UAE Award for Best Joint Idea (2024), celebrating its innovative approach to promoting safety culture through interactive education.

Empowering the next generation

The ADCDA emphasized that students completing the Bader program by Grade 12 will graduate with essential life skills, a strong understanding of safety and prevention, and the ability to act responsibly during emergencies. They will also be equipped to promote awareness within their families and communities, reinforcing a culture of safety across society.