ABU DHABI — Keeping in mind the ongoing construction of alternative school buildings, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has extended by one year the grace period given to some schools operating from villas across the country, according to Dr Maryam Al Ali, Director of Private Education Supervising Unit in the Ministry of Education (MoE).
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Sunday, Dr Maryam said, “This grace period would be the last and it would end by the beginning of the academic year 2009-10.” The Ministry of Education had earlier inspected five villa schools in Sharjah, as well as a number of schools in the other Northern Emirates and emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The inspections covered 35 other villa schools in Sharjah, four in Ajman, two in Ras Al Khaimah, one in Fujairah and four in Abu Dhabi.
The ministry has ordered the closure of eight villa schools in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, bringing to 22 the number of schools closed during the last two years in the country.
“We are spreading awareness among school owners to improve the standards of the school buildings.
“The ministry also aims at protecting the health of the students,” Dr Maryam added.
She pointed out that the schools in villas lacked hygiene, proper labs and playgrounds, and facilities for extra-curricular activities such as music and arts.
“Hence, we are keen on providing the facilities to meet the international standards”, she said.
Ahmed Abdul Aziz