New hope for public schools

Hope is restored for  students of two public schools at Budaiya, as the authorities have finally pledged to construct new academic buildings for the students there, who were fighting torrid conditions in wooden cabins for years now.

This came as per the directives of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to meet the requirements of public schools, especially those with wooden classrooms.

The premier’s instructions followed a plea of Budaiya Parliamentary representative Hamad Al Dossary, who called for the replacement of wooden classes at HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Elementary and Intermediate Boys’ School and Budaiya Elementary and Intermediate Girls’ School.

A delegation of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry visited both schools on Thursday. The delegation inspected the schools’ buildings and was briefed about the requirements.

Heading the delegation was the ministry’s Undersecretary Ahmed Al Khayat, who was accompanied by Construction Projects and Maintenance Assistant Undersecretary Mona Al Motawa and Services Director at Education Ministry Khalid Ghareeb.

The officials held talks with the principals of the schools. Al Khayat stressed: “The ministry is keen on providing all the necessary facilities for creating a healthy academic environment.”

Al Khayat highlighted the facilities dedicated to students with special needs, including he construction of ramps at all schools and vinyl flooring to prevent slipping accidents.

He confirmed that a new academic building would be constructed to replace existing wooden classrooms, which were installed by Education Ministry to cope with the increasing numbers of students.  “The new building will have three floors and classrooms equipped with modern technologies. It will also include teachers’ rooms, elevators, restrooms and storage rooms,” Al Khayat stated.

On her part, Al Motawa explained that the new designs for academic buildings come in line with the requirements of modern education that are set by Education Ministry.

Al Motawa said the new buildings would consider the basics of sustainability, environment friendliness and rationalising energy and water consumption.

She clarified that “thermal insulation materials will be used in the construction of the new school buildings, aiming at reducing pressure on air- conditioning systems and preserve energy.” The ministry’s delegation was thanked by the schools’ principals for  their efforts to improve the conditions of schools and cooperation in providing children with a healthy school environment.

DT News reported earlier that parents of pupils studying at HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Elementary and Intermediate Boys’ School and Budaiya Elementary and Intermediate Girls’ School have complained about the conditions of the wooden classrooms at the schools.

They shared their grievances with MP Hamad Al Dossary, who submitted a proposal to the Parliament House stipulating the removal of wooden classrooms at the schools. Majority of MPs agreed to the proposal, which awaits implementation.