Parents told they need to ensure their children attend school during the holy month

The Ministry of Education has called on parents to ensure their children continue to attend school during Ramadan.

Pupils have been taking advantage of the reduced hours and the academic year winding down to avoid classes.

Absence in some secondary schools can be up to 60 per cent, Emarat Al Youm newspaper reported.

Schools are trying to beat absenteeism through initiatives such as classes for low achievers, courses, and enrichment classes in Arabic, mathematics and English.

The ministry said parents and guardians should encourage their children to attend school, pursue education and study to improve their future.

It stressed the importance of pupils’ commitment to school, particularly during the third and final term when teachers are completing the syllabus.

Thousands of pupils across the country in Ministry of Education curriculum schools will sit their end-of-year exams during Ramadan. The last tests will be on June 27.

Hind K struggles to get her nine-year-old son to school on time during Ramadan.

“It’s difficult for both of us as we sleep late during this month,” said Hind, who lives in Abu Dhabi.

“We meet family in the evening and after getting home, making sure he changes, eats and gets to bed takes time. During the weekend he is used to waking up late at around noon.”

During the holy month, her son’s school day begins at 8.15am instead of 7.45am.

She said the change made no difference and that school should begin at 9am and end at the regular time.

The Moroccan expatriate, who is married to an Emirati, said part of the problem was that some people begin work later during Ramadan but still have to wake up early to get their children to school.

“Why don’t they let school start at 9am?” Hind asked. “School ends at 1.45pm instead of 2.45pm and this is not necessary. In the morning, it would be helpful to have a rest.

“My son has too much time before iftar. He just plays games on his iPad and at that time I’m busy preparing iftar and can’t control him.”

She said that although her son did not like to miss school, he did end up absent some days during Ramadan.

To try to keep children engaged, his school ensures that the pupils watch more movies during the holy month and have more artistic activities.

Educators say motivating pupils and giving them small breaks helps to boost attendance.

“Attendance hasn’t fallen at our school during Ramadan,” said Lata Nakra, principal at JSS International School in Dubai. “We have reduced hours during the holy month and we try to give pupils time to rest between classes.

“We have ensured there are breaks to help them through the school day. The pupils get a 10-minute break about 9am and a 20-minute one around midday.

“I find it surprising that, although physical education classes have been stopped during Ramadan, children do want to come out and play in the corridors. That’s what they look forward to, even if they are fasting.”

The ministry stressed pupils’ commitment to school, particularly during the final term