Expat parents in Bahrain struggle financially as new academic year all set to begin

TDT | Manama                                                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Amidst a new school year all set to begin next week, many expatriate parents in Bahrain are struggling to make ends meet while bracing for the fast-approaching expenses in the form of school fees, transportation charges, uniforms and books.

Almost marking the end of pandemic days, all schools are starting in-person classes across the Kingdom. The new academic year begins at a time when a large number of expatriate families struggle financially because of the effects of Coronavirus.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Shylesh P, an expatriate parent said the ordeal is beyond description. “I have two children attending a CBSE-affiliated Indian school here. Now since the schools are set to reopen, one of the toughest times of my life has arrived.”

He said apart from school fees the transportation charges for the first three months have to be paid in advance. “Along with this, I have to find the money for uniforms, school bags and books. Altogether I need at least BD500 extra this month to meet the expenses. I have been running a successful business house, which was closed during the pandemic days. I have been unable to restart the business.”

Sharukh Rizwan, another expatriate parent, said school opening offers have been a big relief for many middle-class parents like her. “Undoubtedly, school-reopening days are tough for expatriate parents, but, thanks to many offers at all these malls we are having a little relief this time.

“At these malls, we are easily getting all necessary school supplies in one stock. It has become difficult for any expat who comes from a middle-class family to pay for their children’s tuition fees and other expenses,” she pointed out, adding that the school where her children are put up, hasn’t announced any fee hike until now.

“Private schools have become an expensive affair, especially for families with many school-going children.” Deeba Ghani, also an expatriate mother, said from a financial perspective online classes were better.

“Now, we need to bear the transportation cost, which is going to make additional entries in our strict family budget. Inflation is another silent villain. Did anyone notice that school uniforms have become very expensive this year?” The Daily Tribune, a few months ago, quoted many expatriate parents who were pleading for school fees discounts after being unable to pay the fees of their children on time.

They were seeking an intervention from the part of the Ministry of Education and are presenting a request before the ministry to issue a directive to reduce the existing school fees at all community schools in the Kingdom.