Faafu atoll education centre wins UAE’s prestigious Zayed sustainability prize

Faafu Atoll Education Centre (FAEC), located in F. Nilandhoo, has been awarded the prestigious "Zayed Sustainability Prize" by the government of the United Arab Emirates today. 

The school secured the award in the "Global High Schools – South Asia" category. 

This recognition was granted in honor of the school's dedicated efforts to provide clean energy and safe drinking water to both the school and the Faafu Atoll Hospital. These initiatives successfully prevent the emission of 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. 

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is an award established in the name of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The prize-giving ceremony took place today during the opening of "Zayed Sustainability Week." The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, who is a native of Nilandhoo. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this achievement by Faafu Atoll Education Centre brings great pride to the Maldives and demonstrates the extent of innovative thinking among youth regarding sustainable development.

According to the Ministry, the school received this award due to several student-led projects, including the utilization of solar and wind energy, the enhancement of rainwater harvesting and water management systems, and the promotion of food security through sustainable agriculture and hydroponics. 

This is not the first time a Maldivian school has achieved this honor; Addu High School won the prize in 2015, followed by Hiraa School in Addu City in 2022.