UAE | Education
Parents complain about alleged poor condition of school
More than 100 furious parents gathered at Raffles International School yesterday to complain about the poor facilities on the new campus along with a significant shortage of teachers, as they claimed to Gulf News.
- By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:43 October 7, 2008
Dubai: More than 100 furious parents gathered at Raffles International School yesterday to complain about the poor facilities on the new campus along with a significant shortage of teachers, as they claimed to Gulf News.
The first campus in Dubai is located in Umm Suqueim (South Campus), and was opened in 2007, while the second campus (West Campus) was opened early this year, which according to parents, is ill-equipped to function as an educational environment.
Their complaints ranged from lack of teaching staff, support staff and facilities to concerns over the health and security of the school Campus, as well as echoing concerns over the status of the Head of School Anna Kizirian.
Outdoor facilities
One UAE National parent defended the head, saying, "I joined the school for the prestigious reputation of Anna and if she is fired I will definitely pull out my children."
According to parents, the school was functioning well until the opening of the new campus, after failing to provide what was promised, including laboratories and libraries equipped with the latest technology."
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The safety of the school was also questioned as there were claims that there wasn't enough security guards to ensure the safety of children.
"The toilets are absolutely disgusting and almost zero outdoor facilities," said one parent.
A statement from Emaar Education, which owns the school, stated: "Raffles International School in Dubai, owned and managed by Emaar Education, has stopped the services of its Head of School Anna Kizirian. A decision, with immediate effect, has been taken by the Board of Directors of Emaar Education.
"Zeba Khan, Deputy Principal, Junior School, South Campus, has assumed temporary additional charge of the campus. The departure of Anna Kizirian does not have any bearing on the day-to-day operations of the school, and parents of the students in the school have been informed of the decision.
"Raffles International School management had also met with those parents who approached them, and the school continues to function normally," stated the statement.
Study materials
On the alleged lack of teachers and facilities, "The school has contracted teachers internationally. While most of them have joined us, a few others will take charge shortly.
Equipment and study materials are also sourced internationally, and most of these have now been received.
Operational aspects pointed out by parents and teachers regarding toilets, lockers and the swimming pool are also being addressed."
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) says that it has not received any complaints from the students and parents of the school.
"Having been notified about the issue from the Press, Licensing and Customer Relations of KHDA will send out an inspection team to investigate the situation of the school.
The Authority would also like to reassure parents that appropriate action will be taken if necessary,"
In the mean time, KHDA encourages all parents to share any concerns they may have via email to: licensing@khda.gov.ae.
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