BSAK Launches its Outside Library

January 26th 2024

British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) Launches their Innovative ‘Outside Library’ in Partnership with Cleveland Clinic and Digital Qube

In a groundbreaking initiative, The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) proudly announces the launch of its new ‘Outside Library’ in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi, and artwork designed by Digital Qube. This unique endeavour has been created to promote and support good eye health. It also aims to cultivate a lifelong passion for reading among children & provides them with an enriching and healthy alternative to digital media.

Full of life and vibrancy, this fascinating addition to BSAK’s state-of-the-art architecture is a dedicated space crafted to captivate young minds and stimulate their love for literature. By reviving the traditional reading culture, the school continues its mission to empower students with enhanced skills that go beyond academic pursuits.

The collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is built on a shared vision of nurturing a child’s development with positive preventative steps looking after our eyes. In October 2023, the staff at BSAK had the privilege of attending a training session led by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s esteemed Pediatric Ophthalmology team.

The enlightening sessions focused on the importance of vision screening for children before the age of 5, the effects of screen time, and lack of outdoor time on vision health, and the common signs that may indicate vision issues. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of sunlight and engaging in outdoor activities for slowing myopia progression and reducing the risk of new myopia (short-sightedness) onset.

Building upon the insights gained from the training, the Nursing department and the Primary Library at BSAK joined forces to bring a visionary concept to life - the conception of an Outdoor Library. With the invaluable support of the Wellbeing, Student, and House Leadership teams, this ambitious project became a reality.

Digital Qube, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading digital marketing agencies, supported this joint venture by bringing the concept to life with a colourful, engaging design, which transformed the entire section into an inviting space that ensures an enjoyable reading experience.

“We are thrilled to unveil the ‘BSAK Outside Library’, which stands as a testament to our dedication to holistic education. By partnering with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and leveraging Digital Qube's design expertise, we aim to inspire a generation of young readers who will explore the world of imagination beyond the digital screen," said Stephanie Jerron-Quarshie at BSAK.

Cleveland Clinic, renowned for its services to community health, is enthusiastic about supporting initiatives that contribute positively to children's development. "Time outdoors in natural sunlight is important for normal eye development, it is also effective in preventing myopia, and slowing down the progression of myopia in children who have it. We are delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative, and BSAK must be applauded for this project. Their care and concern for their students is admirable." said Zabila Khan, representative from Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi's Pediatric Opthalmology team.

Digital Qube brought the vision to life and their lead designer shared her insights on the project: "We aimed to create a design that sparks curiosity and invites the children to sit down and relax with a book. The design captivates the senses and provides an escape from the digital realm."

“At BSAK, our vision is to deliver excellence and create an environment that not only educates but also inspires young minds” Elaine Rawlings, Primary Head

“The School looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this collaboration on the reading habits and overall development of its students. BSAK invites parents, educators and the community to join in celebrating this exciting milestone in the pursuit of fostering a generation of avid readers.”