Safety was the theme as educators returned to school yesterday for the first time since the summer holidays, with authorities working hard to ensure the start of the 2023-2024 academic year goes off without a hitch.
Ahead of the new school year, starting on Wednesday, authorities have made it clear that they will not tolerate bus violations of any kind, and that there will be consequences for endangering students on-board.
This was stated during a training workshop for private bus drivers, held by the General Directorate of Traffic. The aim is to ensure all road safety rules are adhered to with speed limits, the use of indicators and courtesy to other road users made a priority to ensure the utmost safety of their treasured passengers – the children of Bahrain.
During the workshop, the drivers were reminded of the rules and regulations that they need to upkeep and also to pay special attention that none of the youngsters were left on-board on arrival because they had fallen asleep.
The authorities also urged parents to ensure that private drivers hired all hold valid licences and insurance before employing them to transport their children.
As the drivers were being briefed, thousands of teachers made their way back to school yesterday ahead of the start of the 2023-2024 academic year to prepare for the midweek arrival of students.
“We are looking forward to another year of success and excellence,” said Qadisiyah Primary School for Girls’ principal Dalal Al Tameem.
“We thank both the General Directorate of Traffic and the Education Ministry for their efforts in ensuring a safe and appropriate environment for the children to learn and receive knowledge.”
Sitra Primary Boys School principal Abdulla Alqassab also added that schools were also taking safety seriously ahead of the school bells ringing.
“We have worked with the authorities to ensure a secure educational experience for all the students,” he said. “As part of preparations, we have inspected items such as desks, drinking water, the air conditioners, and more, to ensure that they are all safe to use for both students and teachers alike.”
Teachers also made their way back at Bahrain’s oldest school, Al-Hedaya Al-Khalifa Secondary Boys School in Muharraq, founded in 1919, where they were all set to start another term marking its 104th anniversary.
More than 265,000 school, kindergarten and nursery students will be back in their seats for the new academic year.
A total of 155,000 students, including 15,000 entering school for the first time, will receive education at 209 government schools, while 90,000 students will start the new academic year in 80 private schools.
Meanwhile, 21,000 children – 17,000 in kindergartens and 4,000 in nurseries – will also start at 245 educational venues ranging from independent institutions to private schools.
In addition, around 54,000 students – 14,000 of them freshmen – are set to start the new academic year in Bahrain’s 18 government and private universities next month.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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