Schools in UAE will open on August 31 despite postponement pleas

By Siham Al Najami and Nina Muslim, Staff Reporters (Gulf News)
Published: August 04, 2008, 13:56
Dubai: The school year will begin on August 31 as scheduled, coinciding with the fasting month, despite parents' pleas to the Ministry of Education that fasting will be tough on the pupils.
"All administrative and teaching staff will resume their duties on the announced date of August 24, while classes will start on August 31 in reference to the ministerial decision concerning the academic calendar that was announced earlier and there will be no delay or postponement," said Mohammad Bin Hindi, executive director for Institutional Affairs and Supporting Services at the ministry.
Most schools welcomed the decision, although public schools and adult education centres were unhappy. Parents too were not thrilled.
Precautions for fasting
"I am disappointed at the ministry for persisting in starting the academic year with Ramadan. It is a period for family gatherings, praying, meditating, and self-reflection. At least they should tell private schools to cut down on homework and assignments," said Palestinian national Khalid Karim.
Doctors said fasting in the hot weather should not affect schoolchildren, provided they took precautions.
"My advice to parents is to make children drink plenty of water before imsak [when fasting starts] to prepare them for the day ahead. Physical activity should also 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.
He suggested schools open early and school hours shortened to ensure fasting children did not get too tired.