DUBAI — The recent death of a four-year-old boy in an “outsourced” school bus in Abu Dhabi and the announcement by nine Gems schools in Dubai about outsourcing bus services from June this year have raised concern among parents.
Many fear for the safety of their children if the Gems management implements its decision in the emirate.
Kindergartener Aathish Sreedharan’s death last Thursday in his school bus after the driver apparently forgot to drop the ill child and left him in the bus has sent shockwaves. A statement by the school, Maryland Kindergarten, implying it was not responsible for the incident has only accentuated fears among parents of Gems schools, who now have reservations on outsourcing.
“Outsourcing would only make us uncomfortable as we do not know who will take responsibility for our kids. When an incident like this happens, the blame game begins and the schools sometimes do not want to take the onus for the safety of the children,” said H.C., a parent of a Our Own English High School student.
She observed, “At present, there is a well-oiled system in place and a school attendant takes and brings the children back home. At every point, they are handled responsibly.
“However, when the transportation is outsourced, the question of who will take them from the gate to the class and bring them back home arises.”
A.M, parent of a Dubai Modern High School student, said, “The school is only holding us to ransom by resorting to this move. Now, parents and the children are comfortable with the drivers and the conductors as they are familiar faces. But, if they do tie up with another operator, there would be new faces and the children, especially in the primary classes, may not be very comfortable.”
Following the death of the boy, the Abu Dhabi Education Zone (ADEZ) issued a circular clearly stating that the administrations of private schools in the capital were responsible for the health and safety of students.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has maintained that it is working with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on safety issues concerning school students to help alleviate the parents’ anxieties.
Sunny Varkey, founder and chairman of Gems, on the other hand, emphasised yesterday, “We will definitely make sure that the interests of the students and parents are taken care of and prioritised. Safety, security and service to parents and children will be ensured by Gems.”
By Preeti Kannan (Our staff reporter)