Dubai: Twelve public schools in Dubai are undergoing complete renovation of their buildings to meet international standards.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspected a number of public schools yesterday to ensure maintenance work is running to schedule.
During the inspection construction material could be seen scattered around the grounds. Renovation work is due to be completed by August 18, said Taha Al Hamri, acting director of the administrative services unit of the KHDA.
The Second of December Public School for Elementary Education was among the schools that underwent complete renovation.
Four of these schools were under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works while another eight were supervised by the municipality.
The renovation involved providing shade for outdoor walkways, on the playgrounds, and at school bus stops.
The cost for renovating two schools in Al Twar was estimated to be Dh4 million.
Although not all schools have sports halls, these two schools use their halls for various purposes. Some schools in the UAE, specifically in rural areas, lack sports halls and facilities.
Al Alfiya School for Basic Education, situated in a rural area, was among the schools undergoing renovation this year. Their plea for renovation work was highlighted in Gulf News earlier.
"We have mainly focused on elementary schools because they have the highest enrolment of new students. For them it is important to have newly renovated buildings as it will positively reflect on their academic performance. We thank the Ministry of Public Works and the municipality for their effort in renovating these schools," said Al Hamri.
Academic plan : Deadlines and duties
August 18: All maintenance and cleaning operations should be complete at all 79 public schools in Dubai.
August 20: All school books will be distributed.
August 24: Administrative and teaching staff resume work.
August 31: Students go back to school
By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter