MORE than 147,000 government school students are each set to receive a BD25 voucher to help them cover back-to-school expenses.
It follows directives from His Majesty King Hamad and orders by Deputy King His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday to mitigate the financial impact on parents following more than two years of remote learning imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi said the support was to strengthen and enrich the educational process and continue to improve educational results.
“In preparation for the students’ return to schools in person after the distance study period, and to mitigate the effects of this on parents, the file of each student in government schools will contain a financial voucher worth BD25,” he said.
“The vouchers will contribute to the provision of the school bag and its basic supplies, in addition to information, instructions and guidelines related to the smooth flow of the educational process.
“The King’s continuous support for the educational process reflects personal care for students and motivating them to achieve the best results.
“The care and attention highly improve the educational system, enriching it and providing an educational environment that motivates students to be creative and excel.”
The minister also added that other directives and orders include the launch of an induction day for parents of students in all government schools.
The induction days will be held from Sunday to Tuesday with all students being back to school on September 7.
Schools affairs director-general Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma said on BTV that the names of the participating outlets for the vouchers would be revealed later.
“We have already discussed with all principals responsible for the 210 government schools to make arrangements for the vouchers and to hold an induction day,” he added.
“The coupons will be redeemable at select stores to be announced later.”
Government school teachers will begin work on Thursday after a two-month break.
The Education Ministry announced earlier this month that students of all levels must attend classes in person during the 2022-23 academic year.
Schools in Bahrain suspended in-person classes on February 26, 2020, following the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and most institutions switched to remote learning.
Schools reopened for limited attendance in October 2020, however, in-person classes were suspended again in January 2021. Classes resumed in March before closing again in May 2021 due to a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases.
Physical attendance increased as schools opened their doors in September 2021, though parents had the option of choosing between in-person and remote education.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has released an awareness video on school bag specifications, with guidelines on the most suitable backpacks for each age range, height and weight, besides other physical safety standards.
The GDN also reported earlier this month that maintenance work was being carried out in 40 schools besides revamps to five institutions in partnership with the Works Ministry.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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