Long waits under the blazing sun outside schools in Hamad Town could soon become a thing of the past if a proposal to instal shaded canopies and seating areas is approved.
Northern Municipal Council member Abdulla Al Qubaisi has called on the Education Ministry to provide covered waiting areas and concrete benches at the entrances of five primary schools, saying the move would protect students and parents from Bahrain’s intense summer heat and changing weather conditions.
The request covers Osama Bin Zaid Primary Boys School, Al Manhal Primary Girls School, Sa’ad bin Abe Waqas Boys Primary School, Al Izdihar Primary Girls’ School, and Nusaybah bint Ka’ab Primary Girls School.
Mr Al Qubaisi said the initiative would ease the hardship faced by parents and guardians who wait outside schools during peak drop-off and pick-up times, while also providing a safer and more comfortable environment for students.
“The proposal stems from a sense of national responsibility,” he said.
“The supervisory and public service responsibilities entrusted to me as a municipal council member enable me to follow up on the affairs of the area and respond to residents’ needs and expectations.
“This proposal follows urgent appeals from local residents. Primary girls’ schools require particular consideration because of the young age of the pupils, making it necessary for parents to be present daily to ensure the safe drop-off and collection of their daughters.
“The absence of canopies and seating increases the fatigue and hardship experienced by parents and children while waiting in exposed areas subject to changing weather conditions.”
Mr Al Qubaisi called for prompt action by the ministry’s projects and maintenance department to improve these locations.
He highlighted Al Izdihar Primary Girls School, which opened in 2022, as an example of the modern educational institutions and facilities that the area takes pride in.
He said that adding canopies and seating at its rear entrance would complete the development of the exemplary facility and reflect a shared commitment to the safety and comfort of residents both inside and outside the campus.
The councillor stressed that improving the areas surrounding educational institutions and enhancing residents’ comfort remain central to municipal work, which relies on close co-ordination with service ministries.
Mr Al Qubaisi added that he would continue following up on the proposal to help ensure a safe and sheltered environment for students, parents and visitors.
Around 157,000 Bahraini children returned to classrooms on Thursday as they began the 2026-2027 academic year in government schools.
The first term will run until January 14, 2027. First-term examinations will be held from December 21 to January 12. Mid-term holidays will run from January 17 to 28.
The second term will begin on January 31 and continue until June 30, with final examinations scheduled from May 3 to 27.
Summer holidays next year will start on July 1 and run until September 2.
nader@gdnmedia.com
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