A new year begins for UAE's Indian school students

Dubai/Sharjah - Many schools said they have added a new range of facilities and have also hired new teachers.

Several thousand students in Indian curriculum schools trotted back to school early on Sunday morning for the academic year 2016-17. Excited with new books, stationary, uniforms and shoes, students were seen standing at school bus stops in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Indian curriculum schools in Dubai and Sharjah have prepared themselves for the new academic year with fresh activities. Many schools said they have added a new range of facilities and have also hired new teachers.
Rashmi Nandkeolyar, principal of Delhi Private School in Jebel Ali, Dubai, said: "We've adopted three new themes for students this year. It is #water, #reading, and #securityisourright. We will run various campaigns in these themes for students from KG to 12."
Student enrolment in Indian schools in Dubai has been increasing by 28 per cent annually since the 2011-2012 academic year, according to the Private Education in Dubai 2015/2016 report by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
There has also been an influx of new schools in Dubai. Close to 20 new schools will be opened in Dubai by the next academic year. Among the Indian curriculum schools, GEMS Education has opened one school in Abu Dhabi and another in Dubai this year.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai
• Sharjah