Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Wadi Jeddah, a King Abdulaziz University (KAU)-run organization focused on knowledge-based investments and EduCluster Finland Ltd., subsidiary of University of Jyvaskyla group, Finland, have concluded a partnership agreement. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammad Naguib Khayat, CEO of Wadi Jeddah, and Professor Dr. Jan-Markus Holm CEO EduCluster Finland Ltd (ECF). The agreement comes within KAU's policy of strengthening cooperation and seeking expertise of globally renowned organizations. The University of Jyvaskyla, a reputable Finnish University, offers a wide range of study programs for bachelor's or master's degrees conducted in English, many of which are unique in Finland. Natural sciences, human sciences, sport and health sciences as well as education are the university's areas of special expertise. It also hosts several centers of excellence in research nominated by the Academy of Finland. The agreement will enable ECF and Wadi Jeddah to establish and operate a center of educational excellence (CEE) with the aim of training Saudi teachers and educational support staff. The agreement is considered the first step to establish a school offering the best amalgamation of Finnish and Saudi educational curriculum. Both parties will work on implementing activities and programs on educational research and development. They will develop effective communication methods among schools, parents and community, especially in the field of education, creativity and innovation. The ECF will bring in the expertise of the widely recognized Finnish education system, which is ranked high in educational systems by Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Wadi Jeddah will establish a top quality kindergarten serving as a role model to others in the field. The kindergarten will follow the best designs, top curricula and staff with access to KAU resources; specialty colleges, faculties and diverse research institutes.
