In a significant move to bolster early childhood education and care, the Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, announced a comprehensive plan to enhance nursery facilities across the emirates. The initiative, unveiled during a phone call on Sharjah Radio’s “Direct Line” programme, includes the establishment of eight new nurseries and the expansion of existing ones in the Central Region.
The ambitious project will see three new nurseries in Sharjah, two each in Kalba and Khorfakkan, and one in Dibba Al Hisn. This expansion comes in response to the growing demand for quality nursery education, as the current 33 nurseries in Sharjah are reaching capacity.
In a bid to improve the nutritional standards of the young learners, the plan also outlines the construction of central kitchens in each region. These kitchens will prepare nutritious meals suitable for each child’s age, eliminating the need for outside food and ensuring the well-being of all children.
His Highness emphasized the affordability of government nurseries, with fees set at a reasonable Dh800 per month for top-notch services. He highlighted the reinstatement of school nurseries that had ceased operations, noting that while these could only accommodate 33 children, the newly built nurseries can cater to up to 155 children.
The Ruler of Sharjah expressed concern over unhealthy snacks being sent by some parents and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing healthy meals through the central kitchens. The new nurseries in Kalba are expected to be constructed within ten months, with His Highness humorously urging parents to “wait for me at the nursery door.”
The plan also includes replacing the existing 11 nurseries inside schools and addressing the need for additional nurseries in Dibba Al Hisn. The Central Region will see extensions to the smaller, full-capacity nursery buildings and the establishment of a central kitchen in Mleiha to serve nurseries in Al Dhaid and Al Madam.
