School students will don the role of bureaucrats and ministers as part of a newly launched School Parliament Programme (SSP) supported by the Federal National Council and the UAE Ministry of Education. Promoting the parliamentary culture of the FNC and creating a positive sense of belonging among students, the initiative will provide parliamentary knowledge of the FNC, its jurisdictions, role and 
activities. The council will also train students on parliamentary proceedings, and organise parliamentary sessions for schools inside the headquarters of the House in the Capital during which the members of the SSP will discuss different social matters. Federal National Council Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr and Education Minister Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formally set up the programme. Al Qattami described the MoU as one of the most important agreements the Ministry had signed, as its objectives addressed significant issues concerning national identity and the fundamentals of voting. “The initiative contributes to building the personality of the Emiratis and developing their sense of belonging while reflecting the historic role played by the House,” said the minister. Under the MoU which was signed as part of the 40th anniversary of the FNC, the two parties will cooperate in conducting joint projects and activities which will include holding meetings, symposiums and lectures to identify the students with the activities of the FNC. The SSP will be implemented in a number of private and public schools which will be selected by the Ministry of Education.