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New system for school licensing from next term

"This will be one of the solutions adopted for developing the mechanism of supervision, coordination and follow-up between the government and private sectors, to encourage every private school to work as per its own system, and in consonance with the international criteria of performance, giving it more credibility and gaining the trust of parents, students and society," said Dr Hanif during a meeting held yesterday with the owners and principals of private schools in Dubai, and the Northern Emirates, in the presence of Dr Jamal M. Al Mehairi, MoE Under-Secretary; Juma Al Salami, Assistant Under-Secretary for Private and Specific Education, Harvey MoE Consultant, and other officials of MoE and education zones.

Dr Hanif described teachers salaries as "unreasonable", pinpointing that the ministry and senior officials concerned will seriously shoulder the responsibility for making sure that all education sector’s staff are paid enough and on time.

"The system of licensing and academic endorsement implemented in many countries across the world was raised at the meeting as well. Schools, according to the suggested system, have to achieve accurate, palpable, and understandable criteria in all aspects of the educational system, including utilities, syllabi, methods of instruction and cadres," Dr Hanif noted. "Only private schools abiding by the provisions of licence and endorsement, will be allowed to practise their activities, yet with a limited supervision from the MoE during the whole period of licence and endorsement, which will be renewed if only they are compliant with the terms and conditions," he highlighted.

He also hailed the private sector’s efforts as regards encouraging investment in education, and affirming the ministry’s persistence that private schools abide by the requisite quality and efficiency levels, apart from rules and regulations. He, moreover, addressed the private schools, whose files are piled with violations. Likewise, he appreciated the distinguished ones, stressing that school fee should justify the educational programmes offered. They were also called to verify the calibre of their staff, and make sure that their syllabi do not clash with the local values and culture.

School owners and principals criticised mediapersons, accusing them of fishing in troubled waters, and being keen on hunting for violations and infringements.

Nonetheless, the minister defended mediapersons and their essential role. “We have all to think well of each other, and I have no problem dealing with whatsoever is published in the newspapers. Licence-holders are entitled to defend themselves,” he underlined.

Salem bin Saeed bin Samoum, an owner of a private school in Al Fujairah, began his speech with a common saying: “Go straight, and your enemy can do nothing wrong to you. I, as a school owner, properly abide by rules and regulations. I know my rights and duties. None of the educational zone directors will be able to attack me,” he said.

Surprisingly, a partner of the Al Andalus Private School criticised her school, observing that it was full of educational and legal violations and infringements. Yet, the MoE did nothing on the matter. In reply, the minister said that there would be no room for violations in the next period. Another school called for permission to open evening classes for low-paid families, and for low fee. The minister promised to study the suggestion, and promised to study it.

Reporters raised a number of points with regard to the files of the executive by-law of the Private Education Law, random promotions, schools violations and fees, which exceed the fees in international universities. Relying on some people they know, school owners and licence-holders blackmail parents and teachers alike. They pay teachers very low salaries.

• UAE