The steadily increasing demand for schools in Dubai means that the authorities will have to come up with new solutions to avoid insufficient capacity becoming a significant problem. As The National reported yesterday, a report by Colliers International found that the emirate will need as many as 52 new schools by the end of the decade to keep pace with the emirate's growth.
But is this feasible given the short time frame combined with the need to keep the focus on improving the overall quality of education across Dubai’s private schools?
This situation is complicated and requires a cautious approach to find a solution. One answer could be to encourage new operators to come to this country and open up additional schools. But new entrants are likely to face financing problems with banks.
A better solution could be to encourage existing operators to open new facilities in the emirate.
But securing loans is rarely easy even for established players. It is especially hard for operators who do not just want to invest in the bricks and mortar of a school’s premises, but want to use funding to bring in high-quality teaching staff and equipment. Getting loans approved was identified in the report as a key obstacle facing operators, who need to find an average of Dh275 million to develop a school for between 500 and 2,000 pupils.
Creating more schools must not lead to a reduction in quality, which is a risk at times of aggressive expansion. One way to avoid this could be to urge existing schools to build extra classrooms, but even this is not without its pitfalls. Many schools are already at the limits of their physical footprint and simply unable to expand further or are already large institutions with thousands of pupils enrolled.
Different funding models could also be introduced to address the schools shortage in Dubai, including the possibility of loan guarantees for those who enter the sector to meet the demand. These could also involve the community at large, with the need to have more non-profit community schools to cater for low-income families whose budgets are currently severely stretched by school fees.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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About 57.5 million people
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Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
