Thousands of Bahraini children yesterday traded screens for school desks, marking an emotional return to classrooms as 157,000 students began the 2026-2027 academic year in government schools.
For many, it was a day of laughter, hugs and renewed friendships after nearly seven months away from school buildings, following the shift to remote learning amid the Iranian aggression against Bahrain.
Across the kingdom, schools opened their doors to a sea of excited faces, with teachers and administrators welcoming pupils with roses, sweets and small gifts.
The return was particularly special for younger children, with school leaders and staff personally accompanying nervous first-graders to their classrooms, holding their hands and helping them take their first steps into a new world of learning.
At the same time, thousands of returning pupils eagerly reunited with classmates and friends, turning school corridors into scenes of laughter, excitement and animated conversation.
At Hafsa Umm Al Moamineen Primary School for Girls, Principal Maitha Al Ruwaie described the first day as one filled with warmth and happiness.
“We are very happy to welcome our lovely pupils back to school, hoping that the academic year will be enjoyable and successful,” she said.
For nine-year-old Grade 4 pupil Zainab Ali, the return was all about seeing familiar faces again.
“I was very happy to come back because I missed my friends and teachers. I am excited to learn new things, spend time with my friends and make this year a happy one,” she said.
But while established students returned with the confidence of familiarity, first-grader Asma Mohammed faced a very different beginning.
The newcomer admitted that starting school was a challenge, but said she was determined to make the most of it.
“I was a little nervous because everything is new for me, but I am also very excited. I want to learn, make new friends and become a good student. My dream is to become a doctor when I grow up,” she said.
At Badr Al Kubra Primary School for Boys, Principal Nouf Al Ruwaie highlighted the school’s preparations to ensure a smooth and welcoming start for every pupil, including dedicated support for children with autism.
“We are very happy as our doors are open for our lovely students, hoping that it marks success, achievements and academic progress, and I am certain we will be at the forefront,” she said.
“As the first bell rang, the message from classrooms is that the wait is over, the desks are filled again, and a new generation of learners is ready to begin another chapter.”
Grade 4 pupil Salman Al Hayki said he had been eagerly awaiting the return.
“I was very excited to see my friends again. School is not only about studying; it is also about being together, helping each other and enjoying our time. I hope this will be a year full of success,” he said.
His classmate Abdulrahman Al Dossary shared the same enthusiasm.
“I missed school, my teachers and my friends. I am happy to be back and I want to work hard, get better marks and learn more this year,” he said.
The Education Ministry completed extensive preparations before reopening for the 157,000 students, including cleaning and maintenance works, checking air-conditioning and fire-safety systems, preparing classrooms and facilities, distributing textbooks and timetables, and ensuring that furniture and educational resources were ready from day one.
Schools were also instructed to operate air-conditioning systems daily during school hours ahead of reopening to ensure efficiency, while morning assemblies can be held inside sports halls or classrooms during periods of high temperatures.
Special programmes have been prepared for first-graders and their parents, including orientation sessions to familiarise newcomers with school buildings, facilities, teachers, administrators and support services.
Schools have also strengthened communication with parents and followed up on school transport arrangements.
For students with special educational needs, preparations included checking ramps, toilets, corridors and classrooms, assigning mobility-impaired students to ground-floor classrooms where possible, and reviewing emergency and evacuation plans.
Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Traffic held awareness lectures for school bus drivers, stressing compliance with speed limits, passenger capacity and designated stopping areas.
The new academic year will feature 202 school days – 91 in the first semester and 111 in the second. The first semester runs until January 12, 2027, followed by the mid-year holiday from January 17 to 28. The second semester begins on January 31, with the final school day set for May 27.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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