Help for those who can't cope with UAE school fees

DUBAI // Parents struggling to meet the escalating cost of education can apply for help from a number of funds set up to assist them.

The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation helps support needy pupils at all school levels. Expatriate parents who cannot make ends meet may be recommended by their child's school or can approach the foundation directly to get funding for fees.

The foundation also helps pay for food, stationery, clothing and shoes, and can provide financial backing to children with special needs.

Last year, the Indian Community Welfare Committee launched a school fees fund to help parents with outstanding tuition bills. The fund, sponsored by two donors who have contributed Dh1 million, has already helped 200 Indian families.

"We assess the current economic situation of the parents and ask them to produce documents that validate their position - such as unpaid credit-card bills and legal notices," said K Kumar, the chairman of the committee.

It then contacts the school to negotiate before the fees are settled.

"We also ask schools to provide concessions of up to 50 per cent for such parents."

So far, the committee has paid Dh750,000 in tuition fees for Indian pupils.

The Iqra programme by the Zakat Fund also provides assistance to pupils based on their academic performance, family size and income levels.

These funds are distributed with the help of Adec, which helps identify the children. In 2010, the fund distributed Dh22m to support the needs of thousands of pupils.