GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA) in Al Barsha celebrated its 25th anniversary by inaugurating the WISE Centre for Wellbeing. The cutting-edge facility, aimed at enhancing well-being, inclusivity, safety, and environmental awareness, was unveiled in the presence of teachers, students, parents, and other guests. The centre features an interactive classroom, a 95-seat amphitheatre, a therapy room, a podcast studio, meeting areas, a family first room, and a café, along with housing the DAA Parents Association office.
Commenting on the school’s unique new provision, Dr Ethan Hildreth, DAA’s Superintendent/CEO, said, “GEMS Dubai American Academy leads on the forefront of global international education, having helped generations of learners thrive for a quarter of a century. In this, the 25th year of DAA, the WISE Centre for Wellbeing recognises our legacy of care while carrying us into the future. The WISE vision supports all members of our school community in continuing development of wellbeing, inclusion, safeguarding, and environment.”
The event commenced with a spirited performance by the school's elementary choir, singing Bill Withers' 'Lean on Me'. Following this, DAA's student Wellness Ambassadors and Middle School Ambassadors extended a warm welcome to guests, including GEMS Education's Group CEO, Dino Varkey, and Group COO, Zafar Raja.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary, a student-designed time capsule was ceremoniously placed at the entrance of the WISE Centre, set to be unveiled on DAA's 50th birthday in 2049. The capsule, crafted with a mix of traditional and modern elements, contains letters from school staff and the DAA parent association, snapshots of memorable moments from the academic year, graduation memorabilia, student artwork, and a digital QR code for future updates.
DAA first opened its doors in 1998 and is today the only American curriculum school in the emirate to be judged Outstanding by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), a rating that it has maintained since 2011. The hugely popular school, named ‘Best American Curriculum School 2023-24’ at the Top Schools Awards 2023, also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
This purpose-built facility will enable DAA to enhance students' learning experiences with tailored teaching environments, communal areas, a modernised dining area, a comprehensive research library, outdoor greenery, alfresco dining options, designated study zones, and diverse sports facilities.