Dubai: Doctors have warned parents their children may suffer from dehydration if extra precautions are not taken during the fasting month.
"My advice to parents is to let children drink plenty of water before imsak [when fasting starts] to prepare them for the day ahead. Physical activity should be kept to a minimum ... and they have to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun," said Dr Mohammad Al Jamal, head of the emergency department at Dubai Hospital.
Following the ministry's decision not to postpone the academic year until after Ramadan, parents of children attending public schools have demanded from authorities to at least improve the ventilation in school buses and classrooms.
No postponement
The Ministry of Education on Monday confirmed that the academic year is set to commence as scheduled on August 31.
Although a growing number of schools have had their air-conditioning units improved, there are still a significant number of schools with no proper ventilation.
An Emirati parent, Ebrahim Ahli, expressed his concern saying: "Last year my 11-year old daughter suffered in her crowded school bus. I have been complaining for years about the state of buses."
Lamis Said Al Deen, a grade-11 pupil at Maria Al Qibtia Secondary School, said: "I wish they would postpone the academic year. I have to wait at least 15 minutes for a bus in the morning and it is a 45-minute drive to school. The bus has air-conditioning but it is useless, as we still sweat. The bus does not have curtains to protect us from the heat."
Arwa Tanthet, a parent, said there have been many complaints about air-conditioning in schools. "It will affect the pupil's academic performance if schools don't improve the condition of their buses and classrooms," she said.
Mouza Mohammad, a social counsellor at Muzaira School for Girls in Hatta, said some of the ventilation systems at the school require maintenance and all seven buses lack air-conditioning.
Her concerns were echoed by Mira Abdullah, undersecretary of Umm Ammar School for Girls. She said the school frequently faces shortages in electricity and water because of the nature of the area in Ajman.
Al Alfiya School in Dubai has similar problems. It is situated in a rural area and accommodates 600 pupils of whom 200 come from underprivileged families, said a teacher.
Taha Al Hamri, Director, Administrative Services Unit (ASU), Dubai Schools Agency, said they are conducting field visits to schools and are regularly meeting maintenance companies to keep track of development in current and upcoming projects.
I believe pupils should be given priority. All universities in Knowledge Village will open in October, that is after Ramadan. If universities can care for their students, schools should too. I truly hope the authorities ask all schools ... to open after Ramadan."
- Mazen Khan, Dubai
I would like to request the concerned authorities to prolong the summer vacation for students. Schools must reopen only after Ramadan, as it is dangerous for children to fast and attend school during such hot weather."
- Naazneen Fatima, Dubai
All the universities are opening in October, why can't schools follow the same schedule? The humidity is only going to increase with each passing month. It's harsh to send children who fast to school during such hot weather."
- Anas Khan, Dubai
To delay the school academic year at this stage, when many families are out of the country, will cause problems. Many parents need time to prepare alternative childcare arrangements."
- Eddie Rayson, Sharjah
Should the ministry reconsider its decision on opening the schools during Ramadan? How do you think the heat will affect the pupils who are fasting?
By Siham Al Najami and Nina Muslim, Staff Reporters