Abu Dhabi Indian School admits pupils by lottery

Added 17:44 January 25, 2010

Totally agree with Mr Raman's comment as the school management should have had a better way of receiving the application instead of standing in long ques just to try your luck with a lottery system.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 16:48 January 25, 2010

This techniique is so unfair. The school should accept any child because they pass the standard of the school not by this kind of any chance.

Madette de Jesus, Al Ain, Tokelau

Added 16:42 January 25, 2010

I have teh same issue due to Sherwood closing the admssion for grade 1, applied in many of the schools however no gurantee on seat i strongly beleive ministry has to find out a solution since sherwood closing , where all these students go ?

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:43 January 25, 2010

The parents do not have much choices left. I feel the decision to take the draw is fair as the school can't show any parity . Lack of quality schools is also a problem and because of this parents wanted to educate them in the best possible school. Wait till friday to see whether your child is lucky or else run behind other schools.

Viswanathan, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 14:41 January 25, 2010

The school has done good by going for a lottery, because that would be the best solution under the circumstances. You cannot judge a junior KG child on the basis of entrance test. It would have created more problem for the parents and the selection would have been still criticised. Further this process has completely eliminated the possibilities of bringing in influences for admission, which was quite possible in case entrance test was conducted. The school and ADEC should think in working in 2 shifts which can easily accomodate more children without much difficulty since physical infrastructure is already available. Only new teachers would be required, which is not a difficult thing to find. The school should be complimented for not taking advantage of huge demand. If they wanted they could have made AED 250k by way of a registration fees, which parents would have happily paid. Only thing that was not handled properly was that the process could have been made online, which could have saved lot of time and inconvenience to the parents as well as school management.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:48 January 25, 2010

Sherwood Academy switched its standard from CBSE to "O" level. it was infromed only few months ago. this also one of the reason crowd pumped. i'm the father of STD 1 student, who had been kick out from Sherwood. ADEC should think about the closing the school or switching its standard. more over the parents don't have enough rights to know about the status of the application. only Abu dhabi indian school having this reffle system instead of accepting the application by merit. as i heared some schools accepting the application by "Vasthaa" (Recommandation). who can control them. only ADEC can give the better solution.

K. Kannan, Abu Dhabi, Tokelau

Added 13:42 January 25, 2010

We too spent our time just to collect the token on the first day. it took almost 4hrs in the queue to collect. We had to go again the next day to submit the form. it was a total confusion. 1st day they called number wise and took the form. next day it was a queue system. even the token which was 100 number more than mine was accepted before as they came early. they should have registered through website itself so that it could have saved everyones time. hope they do that for next academic year. or else take entrance test and give the seats!

Ramya, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:35 January 25, 2010

I have no idea y that people wanted their children in this school just because of Indian curriculum or school is offering a good package of fees in combination of execellent eduacaion. My kids are in the best school of Dubai and having nice eduacation but we are paying a vey huge amount of fees for them in exchange of quality eduacation but there is waiting list and entrance test rules for all kids who wanted to get admission in the school

Erum, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:27 January 25, 2010

This is in practise in this part of the world for quite some years, I went through this pressure for my daughter's KG1 admission 3 yrs back, problem is less good school with reasonable fees, as living cost becoming burden parents opt for good school with fees which match their budget. Ministry need to come out with some solution like free education or company providing education cover or shared fee between parents and company, every one has the right for education which need to come with reasonable cost, which becoming business now a days which is very sad.

Shareen, Dubai, Afghanistan

Added 12:28 January 25, 2010

I am also a parent of a student who is waiting to get admission for my child in KG1. From the website we got the information to submit the registration forms. But unfortunately, after reaching there they are giving tokens & those who have not taken a token have to return back & it is been noticed that preference is given to the children who have attended nurseries. What we will do if we have just come to UAE & student has not attended the nursery education. I have also heard that other schools are also admitting the students on the basis of influence because the parent of a student only told me that they got the seat out of influence. ADEC should take some measures for adequate schools & better & quality education. In my case i cannot my child for next year because my child will be 2 days more for next years admission. If there is no admission available i will be returning back to India for the purpose of childs education.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:18 January 25, 2010

i dont think that option is fair and non-sense. why dont all of those applicants take the entrance exam and the first 109 with the highest scores get accepted. In that way seems very fair to everyone and i dont think such method is being used in other countries.

Kim, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:52 January 25, 2010

Even i had to spent Thursday & Sunday for my daughters application to make the process complete. The school management should have made an alternative arrangement through web site to register the same like other schools do. This kind of approach is wasting of everybody's time. All above the school should have highlighted that they issue a token to process this, up to so & so standard only is available, etc, then the crowd would have been reduced. Moreover the school management should have arranged minimum of 2 to 3 nos computer to process this, instead only one person was doing the same. As I am transferred from Dubai to Abudhabi we went to our friends house, stayed & submitted the application. We were waiting without even taking our breakfast with our kids from 7.30 am till 11 am to submit the application, since our turn came at 11 am. This kind of situation we have never expected.

S. K. Raman, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:43 January 25, 2010

Its really sad to experience such harships just to secure admission for your child. And to top it all, closure of one of the existing school will generate another 3000 pupils for whom the future seems bleak. Can the authorities look into this matter seriously and suggest a solution? Can any Indian association come forward and make alternative arrangements like inviting well known educational groups from India and assisting them to start few more schools here in Abu Dhabi?

Suresh B Nair, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:43 January 25, 2010

Best way to solve this problwm is open many indian schools in musaffah

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:38 January 25, 2010

Dear sirs, My child is seeking admission for Ist STD. We approached almost 6-7 schools undergoing CBSC Curriculam.But most of the schools have their own children pass onto Ist std and also have priority for siblings and the balance seats which are very meagre are passed on as open vacancies. As such the probability of getting admission is very very low.I also registered in another school and waiting for the draw. Education Council should have to take necessary actions regarding this. Around 300-400 children are coming out of the school and already they are registered under the Ministry of Education. Atleast allow these children to complete their education in Sherwood itself. The Villa Rule need to be considered again and the last batch of children should continue their studies in their respective schools.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:16 January 25, 2010

Why cant people think for the permanent solution instead giving their steriotype advises. I think some wealthy people should think of OPENING NEW INDIAN SYLLABUS SCHOOL IN OUTSKIRT OF ABU DHABI CITY with the help of ABUDHABI EDUCATION COUNCIL.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:41 January 25, 2010

I am a parent of KG student and 8th Std. student. Both my children are boys. In their school education is very poor becuase of their timing and poor coaching. Morning shift is good time to study for children and they will get little time to relax after return to home. In the second shift children will not get time to finish studies atleast becuase of late timing. Children from city to Mussafah, they have to travel early from home and reach the house also very late. If Schools are keeping one shift it will be very helpful for boys education. For my elder son we are trying to get admission in another school for better education and time but we are now hopeless. No way to get admission in any other school. Kindly request Education Council tol take a decission to keep one shift for all school, reduce the burden and more choice of good school availabilityin Abu Dhabi will be very benefit for students.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:37 January 25, 2010

Parents who have queued up for admission forms in front of Indian schools here are vexed. There is tough competition to seek entry in schools, as seats are quite less compared to the number of students. there are only nine schools here following the Indian curriculum..... wake up and built more schools than hotels & pubs.

Mansour Ali, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:18 January 25, 2010

i have treid so many school in abudhabi,but no seats...........i dont know what to do?

Abdul Waheed, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:13 January 25, 2010

UAE has done so much for us.I think this is fair.

Mohammad, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:03 January 25, 2010

Human rights education is an integral part of the right to education and is increasingly gaining recognition as a human right in itself. Knowledge of rights and freedoms is considered a fundamental tool to guarantee respect for the rights of all. Education should encompass values such as peace, non-discrimination, equality, justice, non-violence, tolerance and respect for human dignity. Quality education based on a human rights approach means that rights are implemented throughout the whole education system and in all learning environments. Now a day's education is business. It's against human rights. Government has to see this as a crisis, and facilitate to study the nearest school for at least lower classes.

FJP, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:01 January 25, 2010

as the population is increasing,the basic facilities should be increased,like food ,education is also the basic necassity of life.and in such circumstances .new school should be established,because its the matter of future of a child...doing a raffle many students those desrves are diprived off from education.so the goverment should take necassory action for future plans,because its not for one or two day plan,its the life for a new born child who wants to place himself in the world with more success.

Shahzad Shaikh, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:59 January 25, 2010

I am also facing the same problem.All the CBSE schools are telling they are helpless. We, the parents know the schools are helpless. But we all want to give our children better education. That is our aim , and we are working here for them only. What is the solution? Some are planning for another syllabus.That we cant afford.Not only the expense but we cant continue the syllubus in India.Some parents are planning to go to India.Some cant because our elder children are studying in 8th 9th and all. So we cant go now.That will effect their future also.Now the parents are also helpless. The government should take some neccessary actions immediately. That is the only solution.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:51 January 25, 2010

This is not the first time, the rush was there in the previous years. Sorry to note that no Concrete steps has been taken to resolve this. Its really bad to stand in the queue for hours just to collect a token and then to wait for the registration. My humble suggestion is that Abu Dhabi Indian School should seriously look into the registration procedure introduced by other schools wherein the registration is made online and the token number is issued online. Lot for those tokens can be conducted at the school on any convenient date.

Binu KG, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:48 January 25, 2010

I am also a parent waiting to see my daughter's luck in the Friday's lottery. We have applied in almost all schools in Abu Dhabi for the past three years but till now Lady Luck has not shined on us. As my daughter can continue in her present school for another 2 years, we hope that by that time ADEC would do something to help thousands of parents like me or else we will have to go back to our home country for the sake of children's education.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:22 January 25, 2010

I am a parent of a KG student, now seeking admission in 1st std for my child. Really I dont know what to do. Mostly all the CBSE schools in abudhabi are not taking new admissions, one or two schools have very limited seats, one of the best schools in abudhabi is going to close. Now the education of my child, depends only on luck. We expect the education council will take some neccessary actions regading this. At least for this coming accadamic year they sholud do something for saving the children and parents from this critical condition.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:22 January 25, 2010

I am a parent also waiting for the luck of the draw which will held on friday for the admission for my daughter at ADIS. Abu Dhabi Education Council officials should come to the point as soon as possible and to take a suitable immediate action the issue before starts the new academic year for 2010-2011..

Shasmin, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:14 January 25, 2010

I feel that the Indian School do not have any fair option other than lottery system. But the real problem is the sudden announcement of closing down of Sherwood Acadamy which was accommodating 3000 pupil under Indian Curriculam. If they were not able to continue the facility for next 10 years why they admit students in last year? If the Abu Dhabi Education Council insisted them to vacate the premises why the Council taking action to continue the studies of children those who are already registered with them through Sherwood Acadamy. I hope Gulf News will focus this issue to protect the future of several pupil and to help their parents who are in dilema.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:13 January 25, 2010

No, I dont think this is fair. I believe students should be admitted on a first come, first serve basis. Otherwise the fees to schools with different curriculums must be reduced else many students will be left without basic education.

Anonymous, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:55 January 25, 2010

Dear Sir, This school was once under the indian social center and it was the asset of indian community. unfortunately now it works just like the private property of some bussiness people. those who have connections with these people getting admissions and others not. This is what happening here since many years.

Farook, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:53 January 25, 2010

We have been trying to get an admission for my kids in various schools in Abu Dhabi for the past 3 years but in vain. For the past 3 consecutive years, my husband had been in the queue since 2 a.m in the morning alongwith other parents, in front of a reputed school and managed to acquire a token number below ten, but we still failed to secure a seat for our kids. Could this have happened because of some sort of discrimination based on religion or nationality? Another school kept promising us, but nothing materialized. The application forms are issued to us after a specific charge and we have been paying those charges for both my kids for the past 3 years but we have not been successful yet. We reached the schools on time, stood in the queue for hours together and submitted application forms on time but we are still left disappointed and frustrated. The present school she is studying in has only till Grade 6 and where do I taker her after that? Will I be forced to send her back to my home country after this academic year? The month of December- January has become a nightmare for us. No where to go and No one to turn to. I really wish the Education authorities would impose some rules/guidelines on schools that have only Primary classes, so that those schools could form a tie-up with another school that has Secondary classes as well, so that transition would be easier. Please Help...

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:52 January 25, 2010

ABU DHABI govenment kindly intervene, Put some plans - we are sure you have some solutions for our kids to have better living and bright future.

Praveen Kumar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:46 January 25, 2010

This must be stopped immediately. In my country (Bangladesh) the ratio is similar or more for good schools and always competitive entry exam is being conducted. I think school authority wants to avoid extra labor, a shameful act for a noble profession.

Mohammad Jahangir Kabir, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:43 January 25, 2010

Government should advice and make necessary policies to accomodate the growing demand for Flats, School Admissions, Parking Areas. As we are witnessing there are steps taken for the Parking slots and public transportation similarly it will be more appropriate if the Government consider for Flats and School Admissions.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:38 January 25, 2010

I would like to send my child back home if an admission is not available. Because the fees of some of the schools are not economicaly affordable to me. In one school I enquired, the fees for first standard was equivalent to the fees my nephew paid for an engineering seat for compute science in a private engineering college in India. regards,

Antony, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:31 January 25, 2010

I would like to send my child back home if an admission is not available. Because the fees of some of the schools are not economicaly affordable to me. In one school I enquired, the fees for first standard was equivalent to the fees my nephew paid for an engineering seat for compute science in a private engineering college in India. regards,

Antony, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:24 January 25, 2010

i am feeling this kind of stress since i knew that my 5 year old son will face difficulty to get a seat for grade 1 at any school which follows indian sylabus. i was trying all the way to arrange a seat for my son, but nothing is working. even i seek lottery seat in some school, as i know that its very bleak to arrange a seat from nearly 2500 applicants. i wonder why dont Ministry of Education not interfering in this case to provide more seats even we , indians have many organisation to take some ethical indian politics out here but they are all silent when indian community facing this kind of problems.

Zahir, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:15 January 25, 2010

There should be more investments in building new campuses for Schools. In addition to that one class room should be able to accomodate both boys and gils with a partition in middle, so as to deliver knowledge to maximum number of students thereby take advantage of few teachers to work minimum number of hours concentrating on different classes at the same time..

Asma, RAK, United Arab Emirates

Added 08:02 January 25, 2010

I am one of the many parents who is undegoing the preassure of current situation. Being a father my first priority is to provide best education to my child. But in current situation it seems I will not have any option and may land up not able to send my child to any indian school this year.

Manoj Kannankutty, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 07:58 January 25, 2010

The status of the parent of sending their children back to India because of not getting admission here is a true fact. And the Draw methods of selecting students should be changed in future.As Education is not a game for the children to be followed.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 07:41 January 25, 2010

The situation is very difficult. We are facing the same, as my child is studying in Merryland KinderGarten , and now the Sherwood is getting closed. Already we tried 5 schools .They all said no vaccancies.and we now waiting for the draw result of Indian School. The ministry of education should allow schools like Sherwood to continue atleast until further arrangements made. Equally Sherwood / Merryland can not leave their childs in the street, they also have the responsibilities as arround 300 kids from Merrylands looking for 1st standard admission.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 07:36 January 25, 2010

Its disappointing to see the admissions being carried out by a lottery. The future of so many kids are questioned. Expats migrate in the hope of having a better lifestyle and support their family financially. But lack of facilities for families force them to rethink. Its time authorities think about increasing the affordable education facilities for all.

Radhika, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Added 07:29 January 25, 2010

I also face the same situation. My two daughters are in Sherwood and have to move out soon. There should be more schools following Indian curriculum and the teachers should be paid well to attract quality teachers.

Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates