Pakistani schools in the UAE to get a complete makeover
dubai — A strategy to revamp the education system in Pakistani schools in the UAE is being worked upon following warnings from the Knowledge and Human Resources Authority (KHDA) to close or de-list a number of educational institutes.
The number of schools offering the Pakistani curriculum is also likely to be increased in a final decision, to be taken within three months, said senior officials from Overseas Pakistani Foundation (OPF) and the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai during a Press conference on Monday.
OPF that runs a school system in Pakistan is expected to open schools in the UAE as well.
The Pakistani school system is facing crisis in the UAE with the authorities warning to shut shop unless the quality of education is not improved.
Habibur Rehman Gilani, managing director of OPF, said that since this was an emergency situation, the issue was being tackled in urgency. “The schools are on the list to be either closed or delisted. We will not let that happen,” he said.
There are currently nine Pakistani mission schools in the UAE that have been run by missions until now. They are the cheapest schools in the country and are overcrowded. The fees in Pakistani mission schools range roughly from Dh185 to Dh300 per month while some schools charge up to Dh500 a month for higher classes. This is far cheaper than fees in other schools in the UAE which can reach up to Dh100,000 a year.
“The strategy we have developed will also improve quality of education,” said Chaudhry Tanveerul Hassan, a UAE-based member of OPF. The management structure will also undergo change with the schools to be run under a hybrid system by OPF, Pakistan missions and Pakistan government.
Pension and healthcare schemes
Besides education, the newly formed OPF Advisory Council Board that includes members from all over the world, is also planning a pension scheme and family health insurance schemes for expatriates.
The strategy we have developed will also improve quality of education.” Chaudhry Tanveerul Hassan, UAE-based member of OPF
The schools are on the list to be either closed or de-listed. We will not let that happen.” Habibur Rehman Gilani, managing director of OPF
The council has 40 members from the Middle East.
Upon death of a Pakistani expatriate, OPF also offers free transport facility from any airport in Pakistan to the residence as well as a cash of Dh13,333 to family of the deceased.
Facilities in Pakistan for OPF are also being improved, such as increasing seats in colleges, offering scholarships, housing schemes and health services. OPF has 24 schools and universities in Pakistan that offer up to 50 per cent discount in fee to overseas Pakistani students. Overseas Pakistanis can apply for a membership card at the Dubai Consulate for Dh67.
The foundation also offers and regulates services to job seekers through the Bureau of Immigration.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com