Mixed reactions as new academic year kicks off in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

The beginning of the new school year in Bahrain has evoked mixed responses from both parents and students. While some parents worry about their children’s health in light of partially existing Covid threat, others are happy as their children would get a great chance to socialise with friends unlike the past two years.

There are also some students who prefer the continuation of online classes as it proved to be more convenient to them instead of the early morning rush to catch the school bus coupled with excess loads of homework. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain resident Sharukh Rizwan, mother of a school-going child, said she is worried about her son’s health as there are fears of Covid-19, Monkeypox and common flu infections. “He is going to school after a gap of two years.

I am really worried how he would handle it emotionally. We have to watch, in the days to come, the emotional repercussions the regular classes are going to bring on him.” However, she said, regular classes are a relief to parents as it would offer them some personal space and free time. Deeba Ghani, another Bahrain resident who is a mother of two children, said she is really happy to see the children getting back to school for regular classes.

“Regular classes are a must for children as it will boost their physical, emotional and social well-being.” “Students will become more active and self-assured through offline classes; they will have a suitable timetable and schedules. Of course, every parent will be tensed as to how their kids would adapt to a sudden change in their lifestyle, but they will get used to the school schedule, and we as parents need to give them full support,” Ms Deeba pointed out. Sharukh’s son Usman Ghani is all excited to get back to classrooms.

However, that excitement is not free from slight difficulties. “I am happy to be with my friends and I love my teachers. But waking up in the morning is a little tough task,” the plus-two student said. Meanwhile, Deepa’s son Hisham Ghani said he is happy to return to school.

“I am happy not only for being able to learn inside classrooms but also to explore the opportunity of engaging in sports activities with friends. Now, I can have better interactions with friends and teachers.” Jenita AM, a Class Six student, said everything is fine about offline classes except the weight-lifting task, which involves the carrying of heavy school bags. “No-one really speaks of these heavy bags, which we are made to carry on a regular basis. I don’t know why this doesn’t look like a serious issue to teachers and parents!”