Back in 1993, two students at Al Khubairat Community school buried a capsule few meters under the ground inside the school gates. The entire school made a promise to its future generations, but this promise is now in the danger of being broken.
A wide range of goods were inserted inside the capsule, before it was buried. The goods inserted had connection to the 1993 days, or as can be said a “ slice of 1993”. Photographs showing fun times that year were inserted, as were the school fees with a funny note saying “will they go up or down?”. A cassette of pop music, a floppy disk and a video recording of a typical school day were placed too. Lastly, even empty crisp packets and chocolate bar wrappers were put.
The burying of the Time capsule was in celebration to the marking of 25 years for the school back then. Al Khubairat Community school is one of the first schools in Abu Dhabi.
The capsule was marked with clear instructions for future generations: “to be opened in the year AD 2018 on the 50th anniversary of the school”.
Today, the school has been completely renovated and redeveloped with new buildings. Not a single building that was there in 1993 still stands on the school grounds and the time capsule appears to have fallen victim to this march of progress. It is now missing or lost, although Mark Leppard, the school’s present headmaster, says “no stone will be left unturned” as staff and students seek to track down the capsule and honor the pledge that was made 25 years ago.
With the school planning 50th anniversary celebrations later in the year, Mr Leppard hopes the discovery of the capsule will make for the perfect birthday present.
