Not fair
As a parent, I am deeply concerned about Global Education Management Systems' (GEMS) decision to outsource its school transportation ("Dubai private school group moves to outsource bus service", Gulf News, April 23). My fear stems from the fact that outsourcing has generally resulted in a decrease in the quality and reliability of the service being provided. This is due to a lack of proper, dedicated and institutionalised supervision and control. It is not fair for parents to have to send their children on a private bus when they have to pay seven or eight times more than usual.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Huge burden
I request the Ministry of Education to enforce a new law whereby schools in the country will have to submit their individual audited accounts to the authorities and justify their earnings. External auditors should be responsible for managing their accounts. With the new strategy of transport outsourcing, GEMS schools will add huge financial burdens on parents who will always remain concerned about the safety of their children.
From Mr Mohammad Abdul Q.
Dubai
In unsafe hands
I am very concerned about the move by GEMS to outsource their transportation. It raises issues such as the safety of children and how much responsibility the school or transport provider is willing to take. If the school's only concern is the rise in running costs, I request the authorities to provide approval for the school to increase their transport fees. At least this way parents will be less stressed knowing their children are in safe hands, even if it is at an extra cost. I urge GEMS schools to please look for an alternative means to continue school transport.
From Ms Uma Ram
UAE
Page last updated 01 January 2020