Legislators are seeking to temporarily move morning school assemblies indoors starting this Ramadan to shield students from harsh weather conditions.
Five MPs from the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, submitted the proposal which aims to ease the daily physical strain faced by thousands of students across Bahrain.
They suggested that morning assemblies could be moved from open courtyards to air conditioned halls or auditoriums wherever available.
The Education Ministry has also been urged to study the possibility of permanently cancelling outdoor assemblies in both government and private schools, replacing them with indoor alternatives.
Mr Al Salloom said that students are currently required to remain outdoors for approximately 15 minutes every morning, regardless of whether temperatures are extremely hot or cold.
“Students are being exposed daily to harsh weather conditions that have a direct impact on their well-being and concentration,” he said. “Our goal is simple: to ensure that the school day begins in a safe, healthy and comfortable environment that supports learning rather than undermines it.”
He said the proposal is based on feedback from parents and educators who believe the educational value of the assembly can be delivered just as effectively indoors.
“There is no difference in the message being conveyed, whether the assembly is held outdoors or inside a hall,” Mr Al Salloom said. “What matters is the content and the positive values being instilled, not the physical location.”
The motion also coincides with recent calls from parents urging the Education Ministry to move morning assemblies into air conditioned halls until weather conditions improve. Many families have expressed confidence that the concerned authorities will respond positively and take practical steps to ensure a safe learning environment.
“Education systems must evolve,” Mr Al Salloom said. “When a tradition begins to place unnecessary strain on students, it is our responsibility to reconsider it.”
Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk said the move reflects a broader push to modernise school practices in line with students’ needs and contemporary educational standards.
“Morning assembly should be a motivating and uplifting start to the day, not a source of discomfort or exhaustion,” he said. “During Ramadan in particular, many students are fasting, and standing outdoors for extended periods can be especially challenging.”
Mr Bu Onk, however, added that the proposal does not impose a one-size-fits-all approach, but instead allows schools flexibility based on their facilities.
“Schools that have suitable halls or auditoriums can use them, while others may opt for short classroom-based activities,” he said. “The objective is to prioritise students’ health while preserving the spirit of the morning assembly.”
Bloc member Mariam Al Dhaen believes the issue goes beyond comfort and into the realm of public health and child protection.
“Children are more vulnerable to heat stress, dehydration and sudden weather changes,” she said. “We cannot ignore these risks, especially when a simple administrative adjustment can significantly reduce them.”
Dr Al Dhaen added that many parents have submitted petitions complaining that their children return home exhausted or unwell after prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures during assemblies.
“Parents want reassurance that their children are safe at school,” she said. “This proposal sends a clear message that students’ well-being comes first.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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