UAE to Support Greenpower STEM Education Programme
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced its collaboration with Pole Position, a Dubai-based motorsports and automotive events agency, to become the strategic partner of the UAE Greenpower STEM Education Programme. This initiative empowers teams of students to build electric cars and participate in races, promoting energy efficiency and environmental consciousness.
On March 20th, students and teachers from GEMS Winchester School, actively engaged in the Greenpower Programme, visited the Ministry to share their experiences with Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs. The students highlighted the program’s benefits in raising awareness about sustainability issues and expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming Race Finals scheduled for May 2024.
Impressed by the students’ dedication, representatives from the Ministry previously visited GEMS Winchester School in November 2023 to witness the construction of Greenpower cars. Their admiration for the initiative led to the Ministry’s decision to support and expand the program to schools across the UAE.
A delegation from the Ministry will attend the Race Finals to interact with participating students and present the winning team with a prestigious trophy.
Launched in the UAE in 2023 with the backing of the Greenpower Education Trust in the UK, the Greenpower Programme has engaged 10 teams of students aged 11-16 from GEMS Schools. These students have been meticulously constructing their Greenpower cars, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency, weight reduction, and sustainable material sourcing. With the race nearing, teams are adding final touches to their cars in anticipation of the competition.
The Greenpower Race Finals, scheduled for May, will feature two 60-minute races to determine the teams that cover the greatest distance within the allotted time. The event will conclude with a prizegiving ceremony, where trophies for First, Second, and Third Place, along with awards for the Most Sustainable Team and Best Team Spirit, will be presented.
The Greenpower Programme not only fosters learning in science, engineering, and the environment but also promotes teamwork and encourages girls to pursue engineering careers, with nearly 40% of participants being female annually.
Commenting on the partnership, Undersecretary Sharif Salim Al Olama emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to empowering future innovators and sustainability champions. He encouraged more schools to participate in the program, expressing confidence in the excitement and success of the upcoming Race Finals.
Ryan Trutch, Founder and CEO of Pole Position, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support and enthusiasm for the Greenpower Programme. He highlighted the initiative’s role in inspiring students towards careers in electric vehicle engineering and motorsports.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Pole Position underscores their joint commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting sustainability in the UAE.
