Officials from Pakistan have vowed to tackle failing standards in schools teaching the country’s curriculum after warnings by the education regulator in Dubai.
In response to news that the Knowledge and Human Development Authority may close down the Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistani School if it continues to fail to perform, Habibur Rehman Gilani, managing director of the Pakistan Overseas Foundation, visited a number of Pakistani schools across the country.
Mr Gilani said the threat of schools being delisted or closed was serious.
"We’ll not let that happen and that’s why we are taking steps at an emergency level. We will be soon coming out with the complete strategy to improve the situation in schools. Our priority is not only to improve educational quality but also to establish a management system that would include stakeholders from the Pakistani missions, the community and private sector."
In its latest report, the KHDA graded Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistani School in Al Nadha as ‘weak’ for the sixth year running. It is the only community-run Pakistani-curriculum school in the city.
The other Pakistani school, Pakistan Education Academy, is privately run. It was graded as ‘acceptable’.
Mr Gilani, however, said he was happy with the enthusiasm shown by students in Pakistani schools who are keen to continue their studies despite difficult conditions.
"I found extremely bright students who are performing so well despite the adverse situation. Now it is our responsibility to provide them the best educational system."
He said there are plans to open more Pakistani schools to cater to growing demand. There are currently three in Sharjah, two in Dubai, one in Fujairah, one in Al Ain, two in Ajman, three in Abu Dhabi and one in Ras Al Khaimah.
The foundation’s director also announced an increase in financial compensation paid to the families of Pakistanis who are killed while working aboard. Payouts will increase from 250,000 Pakistani Rupees (Dh7,000) to 400,000 (Dh1,4000).
Mr Gilani said Pakistan’s government would soon start providing health insurance to families who remain at home while their loved ones work overseas.
"We are also working to introduce pensions for overseas Pakistanis and introduce a minimum wage system."
An advisory council for the foundation will also be set up, with 40 per cent selected from Gulf countries.
"The presence of expatriate representation in the council will help the foundation work for in more quick and efficient manner."

Source: The National