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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.
Do you think schools should be opened during Ramadan? Will this affect the academic performance of students who are fasting? Or will it teach them how to fast and remain productive during Ramadan? Why? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
I would appreciate if the ministry would reconsider the reopening date of the schools across the UAE since it is very tiring and exhausting for Muslim students. There is a solution: we could catch up with studies in December .
W.
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 05, 2008, 14:56
I am a 7-year-old. My mama said I am going to fast this year. I think I may not able to fast because of the heat and high humidity, and dehydration. Please reopen schools only after Ramadan. Thank you.
Rufeada
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 05, 2008, 13:17
This only proves that the Emiratis are far more dedicated to their faith than other people who want to travel during Ramadan so they legally don't have to fast. This is a time of sacrifice, not for opportunists.
Fred
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 05, 2008, 13:12
The climate is humid and burning hot. During Ramadan It will not be easy going back to my school with all the regular and extra co corricular activities I am sure my grade 6 grades will be affected. Hopefully my teachers will give us less homeworks and quizes.
Shaima
Cairo,Egypt
Posted: August 05, 2008, 10:54
I am a sixth standard student. If the schools start on the 31st of August which also coinsides with Holy month of Ramadan, most my Muslim classmates who will be fasting will faint because of the heat and high humidity and dehydration during september. Please consider reopoening of schools after Ramadan.
Nikita
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 05, 2008, 10:11
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