Abu Dhabi is set to introduce an innovative rewards programme aimed at increasing parental involvement in government schools to enhance student performance and foster community collaboration.
The new initiative, called the Behavioural Rewards Programme or “Danat Behaviour” in Arabic, seeks to encourage parents, students, and schools to work together by offering incentives for participation in academic and extracurricular activities.
The programme, which is currently undergoing a trial phase in one Abu Dhabi school, will officially roll out in the first half of 2025, according to Saeed Al Junaibi, lead innovation specialist at the Department of Community Development (DCD).
“The project was initiated by the Darat Al Damiya community centre in collaboration with the National Programme for Behavioural Rewards, known as Fazaa,” Al Junaibi said.
Designed to engage both parents and students, the rewards system allows families to earn points for completing various activities, such as helping with homework, attending school events, and participating in community service.
These points, known as “behavioural danats,” can then be redeemed for prizes, including gift vouchers and rewards at local venues. The initiative will be managed through a smart application, enabling families to track their participation and accumulate points in real time.
The rewards programme is grounded in a “360-degree evaluation” model, which gathers feedback from students, parents, and teachers.
Al Junaibi emphasized the importance of this holistic approach, noting that it involves the entire family and promotes shared responsibility and lifelong learning.
“This will be a 360-degree evaluation,” he explained. “It’s important that families participate together, as this promotes shared responsibility and learning.”
The evaluation system enables teachers to assess parents’ contributions and students’ academic and social development.
At the same time, students provide insights into their experiences, and parents reflect on their level of involvement. This comprehensive feedback loop is designed to ensure a balanced and multi-faceted assessment of each family’s contributions to school life.
In addition to improving academic performance, the Behavioural Rewards Programme aims to strengthen family bonds and instil a sense of social responsibility in students.
Al Junaibi noted that the scheme is not limited to academics but also encompasses community service, sports events, and cultural programmes, providing multiple avenues for families to engage.
While the initial rollout will focus on government schools, there are discussions about expanding the initiative to other educational institutions in the future.
This potential expansion aims to bring the benefits of the programme to a broader segment of the community. The initiative has already received positive feedback, with many seeing it as a valuable step toward cultivating a generation that values cooperation and social responsibility.
Shaikha Al Hosani, a visitor at the Gitex technology exhibition who learned about the programme, lauded its potential. “This initiative represents a significant step toward building a cohesive society,” she said. “By investing in positive behaviours, we are paving the way for a brighter future for all Emiratis.”
As Abu Dhabi continues to innovate in education and community development, the Behavioural Rewards Programme stands out as a promising approach to engaging families, enhancing academic outcomes, and nurturing a socially responsible society.