Sunday, Apr 09, 2017

Abu Dhabi: A member of the Federal National Council (FNC) is set to question Hussain Ebrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, over what his ministry has done to curb the rising cost of private schools during the next session on Tuesday.

“Parents are extremely worried as they pay out an ever-increasing, unjustified rate for private school fees. So I wanted to know the measures and criteria set by the Education Ministry to curb this problem and safeguard parents against exploitation from some unscrupulous businessmen,” Azza Sulaiman Bin Sulaiman, FNC member from Dubai said.

The member added that parents complained not only over tuition fees, but also over surcharges including transport, uniforms, extra-curricular activities and books.

Bin Sulaiman argued some private schools have become mere businesses seeking excessive profits and charging high tuition fees that do not match their educational standards and collecting money much above cost from students for several events. “Some schools even force parents to buy uniforms from certain companies or through these schools, giving parents no option to buy what meets their budgets,” the member said.

The member said the high tuition fees charges by many schools is in violation of the instructions of the Ministry of Education, indicating lack of control of private schools by the ministry.

Though the federal law no 28 of 1999 on private schools allows private schools to raise their tuition fees only once in three years, the reality is very different.

Schools in the UAE charge according to the curriculum they offer, with international ones coming on top of the fee pyramid and Asian ones being more affordable.

However, most parents, irrespective of the curriculum, maintain their children’s school fees are a major expense of their household budget.

Two more questions will be put up to the education minister from Hamad Ahmad Al Rahoumi, a member from Dubai, concerning nurseries in government departments and Salem Ali Al Shehi, a member from Ras Al Khaimah, about hiring Emirati supervisors for school buses.

Al Shehi will also quiz Noora Mohammad Al Ka’abi, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, on why duly attested sick leaves granted to students of the Higher Colleges of Technology are not recognised.

The House will also debate a federal draft law on vet medicine and ways of boosting sea foods.

The FNC will also review the Cabinet’s decision on the House’s motion seeking exceptional pension for certain citizens not eligible because they do not meet age and service criteria as set in a new law.

By Samir Salama Associate Editor

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