THOUSANDS of children attended their first day of class in joyful spirits yesterday, as the 2019-2020 academic year kicked off.
Around 145,000 boys and girls walked through the gates of public schools across the country’s four governorates yesterday in a festive environment as teachers and administrative staff welcomed students with roses, toys and hugs.
This included 12,000 first graders joining the education ranks for the first time, according to Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi who conducted an inspection visit at several schools yesterday morning.
“The Education Ministry has recruited 900 Bahraini female and male teachers and they have been adequately prepared to start their duties,” said Dr Al Nuaimi on the occasion.
“The teachers were divided on the schools according to academic needs and the schools have been completely prepared in terms of facilities, manpower and services.
“The ministry has also undertaken the necessary action to reschedule the subjects especially since more than 3,700 ministry employees have opted for the Early Voluntary Retirement Programme to ensure each class had a teacher.”
The GDN reported yesterday that curricula revision was also underway, including English language curriculum development for intermediate students in addition to other curricula for basic, technical and vocational education to cope with labour market developments.
Dr Al Nuaimi also said in a statement yesterday that the ministry has successfully dealt with exceptional circumstances surrounding the complete or partial evacuation of schools that were found below the standard of government education in terms of services, facilities and maintenance.
He highlighted that the evacuation process was completed in record-time, with alternative measures put in place such as relocating pupils to the nearest schools as well as providing additional buildings and classes to accommodate the students.
“As part of the ministry’s efforts to elevate the educational infrastructure, this academic year will see the launch of new schools and academic buildings within the framework of providing more seats for students across various areas,” added Dr Al Nuaimi.
“The Higher Education Council is also taking strides in developing the quality of educational programmes and encouraging investment in this field while also attracting international universities to Bahrain.
“This year will also witness the inauguration of the Abdullah Bin Khalid College for Islamic Studies which aims at producing graduates in the field of Sharia Judiciary, Sharia sciences and Islamic banking.”
The GDN visited the Hafsa Um Al Mo’amneen Primary School for Girls yesterday morning where pupils were greeted at the school gate by their friends and teachers amid a festive atmosphere.
School principal Afaf Al Mannai said months of preparations to receive the 2019-2020 academic year went smoothly.
“A team of teachers was put together in preparation for the first day of this academic year and we had a strategic plan in place to ensure the children enjoy a festive atmosphere and receive them at the gates with gifts and special programmes,” she said.
“When children are received at the gates by teachers, technicians, and administrative staff and assistants they are given a positive push and are encouraged to embark on their educational journey.”
The Education Ministry has printed 2,500,000 textbooks, including 200,000 for students in private schools in Arabic language, Islamic education and citizenship education, ahead of the academic year.
Efforts were also stepped up to ensure road safety for students in the vicinity of schools, with the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry announcing the completion of 60 per cent of the recommendations on ensuring smooth flow of traffic near schools and promoting students’ safety
A committee assigned to assess road safety visited 25 schools countrywide and submitted 69 recommendations.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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