No fees imposed on non-Bahraini students
Manama : Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi said the ministry will not impose any educational fees on non-Bahraini students in governmental schools.
As Bahrain is readying to celebrate the 100th anniversary since regular education began and the first Bahraini school was built; Dr. Al Nuaimi said several international academic institutions were contacted to provide academic courses in Al Hidaya Al Khalifiya University as a qualitative addition to Bahrain and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)'s universities at the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Regarding MPs' proposal to impose educational fees on non-Bahraini students in governmental schools, the minister stressed his appreciation of MPs' suggestions and opinions regarding local affairs, but the ministry insists that citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoy free education. He pointed out that he felt the MPs' understanding of the ministry's viewpoint in this regard, affirming that understandings will be reached in this respect.
The minister said educational services are being provided to residents in line with the Kingdom's policy and its legal and international obligations to provide education for all. At the same time, free education has attracted expertise and individuals so that Bahrain can benefit from their large and excellent expertise in all positions.
There are more than 4,000 non-Bahraini students born of Bahraini mothers and if educational fees are imposed this will contradict with Bahrain's obligations and resolutions issued regarding the treatment for the children of a Bahraini woman married to a non-Bahraini husband.
Under Law 35/2009 regarding the treatment of a non-Bahraini wife of a Bahraini husband and the children of a Bahraini woman married to a non-Bahraini husband regarding some prescribed educational service fees, said the minister.
He added that Bahrain has always attached huge importance to the practical aspect, and the advanced results achieved at the regional and international arena are partly ascribable to the provision of free education for all in addition to the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to non-discrimination in education.
He pointed out that the number of non-Bahraini students in governmental schools is not high and "most of their parents employed by the government and therefore it is natural to provide them with free education in governmental schools."
And regarding the possibility of applying the enhanced citizenship and human rights project in all schools, the minister said it has gained its importance from the wise leadership's directives regarding the Education Ministry's keenness on promoting citizenship amongst students as today's students are future leaders who will spearhead the nation's progress.
The King Hamad Future Schools Project was launched at the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Ministry will continue to launch numerous educational projects reliant upon modern technology and digital empowerment in education, the minister said. He added that the curriculum development project was completed in cooperation with UNESCO. There are 13 countries that benefit from Bahrain's developed books and this pushes Bahrain to stay as the leader in educational fields.
The minister citied international reports issued by UNESCO that ranked Bahrain among the top class in terms of its provision of free education for all.
This has been achieved before the specified schedule, in addition to the tremendous trust and effective partnership between the Ministry of Education and UNESCO meanwhile Bahrain is the headquarters for several international and regional centres and this reaffirms Bahrain's continued attention to international expertise and trust.
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