The decision by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to select Sharjah as the first Arab city to pilot its Early Childhood Care and Education – Progress Assessment and Transformation Tool (ECCE-PATT) marks a defining moment for education reform in the region. More than a symbolic recognition, the move positions Sharjah at the forefront of early childhood development policy and practice across the Arab world.
Sharjah’s selection reflects years of strategic investment, visionary leadership and a deep-rooted belief that education must begin long before formal schooling. By hosting this pilot initiative, the Emirate is not only strengthening its own systems but also setting a benchmark for neighbouring countries seeking sustainable improvements in early childhood care and education.
What the ECCE-PATT Pilot Means for Sharjah
The ECCE-PATT tool is designed as a comprehensive framework to evaluate and transform early childhood education systems. It enables governments and education authorities to conduct detailed self-assessments, identify policy strengths and gaps, and implement targeted reforms grounded in international best practices.
For Sharjah, the pilot represents a structured opportunity to measure progress, refine policies and enhance service delivery for young children. The process will assess governance frameworks, teacher preparation, curriculum quality, parental engagement and cross-sector collaboration. The aim is not simply evaluation, but transformation.
By documenting achievements and highlighting promising practices, Sharjah will generate a roadmap for continuous improvement. This data-driven approach ensures that future reforms are based on measurable evidence rather than assumptions. The outcome is expected to shape long-term strategies that align with global standards while remaining responsive to local cultural and societal needs.
A Strategic Choice Backed by Proven Commitment
Sharjah was chosen for several compelling reasons. The Emirate has developed an integrated early childhood system that combines supportive public policies, institutional cooperation and strong regulatory oversight. Its model reflects coordination between education authorities, health services, family support organisations and community stakeholders.
A major milestone that contributed to this recognition was the Regional Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education held in Sharjah in 2023. Organised in partnership with UNESCO and local institutions, the conference brought together policymakers, academics and education leaders from across the region. It reinforced Sharjah’s position as a hub for dialogue and innovation in foundational learning.
The momentum from that conference demonstrated the Emirate’s readiness to move from discussion to action. UNESCO’s decision to launch the ECCE-PATT pilot in Sharjah builds directly on that progress, signalling confidence in the Emirate’s governance structures and reform capacity.
Leadership Driving Educational Excellence
Central to this achievement is the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, whose educational philosophy emphasises knowledge, culture and human development as pillars of sustainable growth. Under his leadership, Sharjah has consistently invested in education infrastructure, teacher development and policy reform.
Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, highlighted that the pilot aligns with the Emirate’s broader commitment to raising early education standards. According to her, the initiative will support the development of targeted improvement plans that enhance both care and learning outcomes in accordance with international benchmarks.
This human-centred approach recognises that early childhood education is not merely an academic concern. It is about nurturing emotional wellbeing, social skills and cognitive development during the most formative years of a child’s life.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
UNESCO has long maintained that lifelong learning begins in the earliest years. Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood care and education significantly improves academic performance, reduces dropout rates and strengthens social cohesion. Children who receive structured early learning support are more likely to succeed in school and contribute meaningfully to society.
By prioritising early childhood systems, Sharjah is addressing education at its foundation. The ECCE-PATT tool will help ensure that policies are not fragmented but interconnected, covering curriculum standards, workforce qualifications, inclusion strategies and family engagement frameworks.
This holistic model reflects a broader understanding that early childhood development extends beyond classrooms. It involves safe environments, trained caregivers, accessible services and active parental participation.
Regional Impact Beyond Sharjah
Sharjah’s pilot is expected to influence early childhood education policy across the Arab world. As the first city in the region to implement the ECCE-PATT framework, Sharjah will serve as a reference point for other governments exploring similar reforms.
The initiative also includes a high-level closed policy dialogue scheduled during the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education. The session will bring together regional and global education leaders to examine early findings from the pilot and discuss scalable strategies for long-term reform.
By sharing lessons learned, Sharjah can help accelerate progress in neighbouring countries facing similar challenges in early childhood system development. The pilot therefore holds both local and regional significance.
Building a Sustainable Model for the Future
What makes this milestone particularly significant is its forward-looking nature. The ECCE-PATT pilot is not a one-time assessment but a catalyst for sustained transformation. It emphasises continuous evaluation, accountability and collaboration across sectors.
Sharjah’s approach demonstrates that meaningful education reform requires more than policy announcements. It demands coordination between institutions, consistent data collection, community engagement and political will. By embedding these principles into its early childhood strategy, the Emirate is building a model designed to endure.
The broader impact extends to economic and social development. Strong early childhood systems contribute to workforce readiness, gender equity and long-term national competitiveness. When children receive quality care and education in their formative years, societies benefit for generations.
A Recognition That Reflects Vision and Action
UNESCO’s selection of Sharjah as the first Arab city to pilot the ECCE-PATT tool is a recognition of sustained commitment rather than short-term achievement. It highlights the Emirate’s proactive leadership, strategic planning and belief in education as a transformative force.
At its core, this milestone is about children. It is about creating environments where young learners feel safe, supported and inspired. It is about equipping educators with the tools they need to guide development. And it is about ensuring that early education policies translate into real improvements in classrooms and communities.
Sharjah’s journey illustrates how regional leadership, international collaboration and evidence-based reform can converge to shape a brighter educational future. By stepping forward as a pioneer in early childhood care and education, Sharjah is not only advancing its own system but also offering a powerful example for the Arab world and beyond.
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