School's onus
It was shocking to read about the demise of Aimen Zeeshan - a sweet, little girl ("Police investigate driver's negligence in girl's death", Gulf News, May 16). I have two daughters, aged nine and four. Such reports of negligence from school authorities astound me. The driver's role in this situation is secondary. If a student does not attend class, the parent has to inform the school and this information should be passed on to the teacher of the class. If the parent fails to do so, the teacher must be responsible for contacting the parents and asking for the reason of absence. In the past, I have come across overcrowded buses with hardly any space to breathe. When a stop comes, it often doesn't matter whether the child gets down or not - the bus leaves immediately. When plenty of children are in a bus, the driver would have no idea about how many have got down and how many are left behind. In such cases, there is not much anyone outside can do, because checking the child's attendance is solely the school's responsibility.
From Ms Nejma Navas
Abu Dhabi
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Simple solution
I am really shocked to read about Aimen and have become extremely concerned about my children's safety. They are studying in a school and after a similar tragic incident with Atish Sreedharan last year, the school established a software system, wherein the attendance of all students are entered into it. The system then automatically logs and sends a text message to the parents of absent pupils. It is a very simple solution. Why isn't such a system implemented in all schools? It should be made mandatory.
From Mr M. Shahid Rizwan
Abu Dhabi
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Thinking twice
The news about little Aimen was really shocking. I have a four-year-old son who goes to private school. Currently, I take him in my car, but was planning to move him to a school bus next year. After reading about this incident, I am thinking twice about the safety of my son.
From Ms Deqa
Dubai
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Horrible reality
By now, I am sure one can feel the frustration rising, as so many parents are facing such a horrible reality. I wonder what the parents of this innocent child are going through. I am sure that, just like me, everyone would agree that the school should be brought into the open. The name of the school should be announced so that parents know what their children are getting into. Additionally, the parents of those children who are already in that school should take precautions as it is very clear how responsible the school is, when carrying out its duties. I am a father of two and my children will be going to school very soon. However, I carry a great fear in my heart and do not know which school to enroll my children into. I believe it's not the driver or any individual in the school that is responsible for the tragedy - it is the responsibility of the school as a whole. Last year's incident was an eye opener for everyone.
From Mr Noor Mohammad Bashir
Dubai
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Parents responsible
I am a parent of four and every single moment that my children are away from me or in the hands of others than mine, I am not settled in my work or anything that I am doing. No one can sufficiently protect children and no one is more responsible than parents, in this regard. After all, a child did not choose us to be their parents - it is we who made them. In the eyes of any man logical enough to look at this kind of situation, it is us parents who are responsible.
From Mr Sutadebastos
Dubai
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Shocking
This is a really shocking and bitter example of negligence. May the Almighty give Aimen's poor parents the courage to come out of this situation. Bus drivers should check buses before locking them as it is part of their duty. Schools should strictly inform parents when their children are absent from school.
From Ms Sana Khan
Dubai
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Why blame teachers?
This news is very sad and depressing for the parents of the little girl and my heartfelt condolences go out to the family. However, I find that the alternative given to stop such incidents is not right. How many aspects of school life do people expect teachers to manage? After all, they are human beings with the same physical and mental abilities as anyone else. I think when a parent doesn't send the child to school, it is his or her duty to call up the concerned school authorities and inform them, before the classes begin. How many parents would shoulder that responsibility? Additionally, such checks are the duty of bus attendants and drivers. They have to just look over the bus before they lock up, which is a much easier alternative to teachers calling parents. I would urge people to not degrade teachers by asking them to take on duties such as these. I hope a time would not come when a teacher would be required to go to each child's home and bring the child to school and back.
From Ms Mary
Dubai
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Check, please
The death of little Aimen was shocking news for us. When considered practically, it is not possible for the school to inform parents about every child's absence. But they could still improve their school transportation system and drivers' attitudes! Why was there no attendant in the bus? This should usually be the case in buses that transport small children. Additionally, why didn't the driver check the bus before finally locking the bus door?
From Mr Towqir Hatim
Dubai
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The school is the second home of every child or pupil. Even if there is no circular or official notice, every teacher or school faculty member should be concerned about their pupils, because these children are their responsibility once they are enrolled in the school. The parents entrust the school authorities with their children.
From Ms Maria Carina Pader
Dubai
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Two in one
There are supposed to be two people managing the bus - the driver and the attendant. The bus driver would not be able to properly concentrate on the children and there should be someone whose primary role is to actually keep a count of the children, and manage the bus atmosphere.
From Mr Manoj Mathai
Ras Al Khaimah
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Eye opener
Private bus operators definitely lack a lot of safe practices when handling children. Unfortunate incidents such as these are eye openers for all. I would definitely blame the driver for his negligence, in this case. It is his duty to inspect the bus after the last drop. A quick check would have saved the child's life. Private operators should be subject to tough inspection measures when allowed to operate.
From Mr Vinaykumar Nair
Dubai
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No limits
This is the limit. As a parent with a ward of a similar age as Aimen, I am very scared now. Why is the service like this, when the sky is the limit for the school fees and transportation charges? I sincerely hope the relevant authorities take up the issue.
From Mr Jacob
Dubai
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History repeated
Time and again, such tragic incidents keep repeating. Stern punishment for such drivers would act as a deterrent. Moreover, the school authorities are equally responsible and they should also be punished. New regulations should be introduced, which might include specialised drivers' training and testing before they are allowed to drive school buses.
From Mr Mohammad Khusru Ali
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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A request
Bus drivers and attendants should take care of the pupils, because parents are entrusting them with their life's blood and dreams. While we parents send our children to school in the buses, all we request of the school authorities is to please take care of them. I am a father of two girls and this news truly upset me.
From Mr Santhosh Punnalil
Dubai
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Sincerity necessary
This horrible incident should not have happened again. Some of the bus conductors or attendants are extremely irresponsible and the school authorities should take strict action against those responsible. I personally went through two such experiences. Recently, my child's bus driver forgot to drop off my son at the bus stop. On another occasion, they dropped off another pupil instead of my son at the stop. Due to a timely alert from my son's babysitter, they became aware of this fact. These two incidents happened in the same month. As a parent, I could render any support to the school's authorities, to avoid such painful situations. However, school authorities should have strict guidelines that are followed by bus attendants and drivers. I think such tragic situations occur when there is a lack of sincerity in one's work.
From Ms Bindu
Abu Dhabi
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