Unlock Community-Based School Opportunities with 'Frejuna' Initiative

The UAE Ministry of Education has opened registration for its "Freegna" community schools initiative, a program designed to help students discover talents and develop skills outside regular classroom hours. Running from October 1 to November 16, the initiative covers 20 educational complexes across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, offering activities in sports, arts, culture, and leadership development.

The program operates twice a week after school hours and welcomes students from all grade levels. Parents can register their children through a dedicated online link, but they must provide their own transportation and commit to regular attendance throughout the program period.

Here's where it gets interesting for the UAE's education landscape. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward holistic education that goes beyond traditional academics. While many countries struggle with after-school programs due to funding constraints, the UAE is investing in comprehensive talent development as part of its long-term economic diversification strategy.

The timing matters too. As the UAE positions itself as a regional hub for innovation and creativity, programs like Freegna help build the skilled workforce needed for sectors like technology, media, and design. The focus on leadership development particularly aligns with the country's emphasis on nurturing future Emirati leaders.

For families, this represents a significant opportunity. Quality after-school programs typically cost thousands of dirhams in private settings. But parents need to factor in transportation costs and time commitments, since the ministry doesn't provide buses for these activities.

The program's structure - covering multiple emirates rather than just focusing on major cities - shows the government's commitment to ensuring educational opportunities reach students across different regions. This approach helps address the urban-rural divide that often affects educational access in developing nations.

The ministry frames Freegna as part of its vision to prepare a generation capable of creativity and competition across various fields. In practical terms, this means students get exposure to activities that might spark career interests or simply provide healthy outlets for energy and creativity outside academic pressures.