Parents lament shortage of books for schoolkids in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - Saeed Salem, father of a Grade 2 student, is worried about his son's studies because he doesn't have a single book yet.

 Three weeks into the new academic year, some parents in Ras Al Khaimah are alarmed that their kids are yet to receive their books.
"Some schools don't seem to be ready for the new school year," the parents lamented.
Saeed Salem, father of a Grade 2 student, is worried about his son's studies because he doesn't have a single book yet.
"How will it be possible for him to study well and do his homework?"
Mohammed Abdullah, a parent of a Grade 3 student, said the school had provided his son and some of his classmates with black-and-white copies, but he believed such a solution wasn't enough.
Soon, the students would have to sit for monthly tests and they would need resources to prepare, so parents are pushing schools to take action while looking for ways to help their children.
Ibrahim Saleh, a father, had to scour accredited online sources to find the missing books for his Grade 2 kid.
Books to be delivered soon
Some schools said that as a temporary solution, they do hand out printed copies of the books' online version.
But they assured that the few missing books would soon be supplied. They added that all required readings can be accessed online.
"Some of the reported books have been partially supplied last week. Hopefully, the remaining books will be secured soon."
Staff shortage
Besides the issue on books, an insufficient number of administrative and teaching staff was also observed, the parents said.
While some schools have admitted to the shortage, they said the matter had already been taken up with the authorities.
"We have asked (the bodies concerned) to provide us with more teachers for some subjects."
There is no need to worry about this issue, the schools added. "This is a normal problem that happens mostly in the beginning of the academic year and shall be settled soon."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 
 
 

• Ras Al Khaimah