Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma yesterday announced a series of developments set to be implemented in the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, aimed at enhancing services across public schools in Bahrain.
He emphasised that the upcoming school year will witness qualitative improvements in educational services provided to students and parents.
The minister highlighted that the ministry is undertaking the largest expansion to date in accommodating students with autism and intellectual disabilities, following the completion of 23 newly-equipped and furnished classrooms across the kingdom.
The improvements in educational services provided to students and parents are in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the ongoing follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, he said.
Dr Juma underscored the ministry’s commitment to delivering high-quality education services, particularly for students with special needs.
Comprehensive educational plans are being developed to enhance care and inclusion, he added.
As part of the ministry’s preparations, the minister said that the number of school buses designated for students with disabilities has been increased and fully equipped.
He added that new school transportation routes have also been introduced across various regions, including newly-developed areas, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of the school transportation service to more than 50,000 students.
The minister noted that nearly 6,000 new air conditioning units are being installed in public schools, supplementing the 5,000 units added in the previous academic year.
Specialised teams have been assigned to ensure the efficiency and readiness of all cooling systems ahead of the school year, Dr Juma added.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the number of cleaning staff at public schools will be significantly increased, with each school set to receive between four and nine staff members, up from two to four previously.
He noted that comprehensive maintenance and preventative works are also underway across all schools.
The minister commended the efforts of the ministry’s support teams in completing preparations for the new academic year, and noted that further details regarding the start of the school year will be announced in due course.