More than 5,500 students across Abu Dhabi will benefit from the new phase of the free after-school classes, which promote critical thinking and introduces kids to crucial topics relevant to the job market.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) announced the launch of phase two of its initiative Rize enrichment programmes that will commence with the next school term on January 26, 2020.

The after-school programme will teach science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) subjects under three main themes – tech, arts and culture, and math. The first phase delivered 15 courses over 70 classes to 1,793 students.

Adek announced that it is expanding the programme’s capacity to accommodate up to 5,688 students, in addition to introducing new topics such as coding, robotics, machine learning and arts. It will comprise 109 classes spanning 17 innovative courses.

Khuloud Al Dhaheri, chairperson of the student’s enrichment programmes committee at Adek, said: “Rize offers a comprehensive and immersive educational experience that nurtures existing capabilities and introduces students to crucial topics relevant to the 21st-century skill set.”

Rize enrichment programmes offer free after-school sessions that are open to all public and charter school students in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Rize courses take place four days per week – two days for boys and two days for girls.

Rize Learning Journeys will allow high-performing students to get the chance to travel to national and international centres of excellence, known for being at the forefront of major innovations and technology, to learn first-hand about real-world issues, such as renewable energy, fin-tech, medicine, water conservation, coding and robotics.