Education Minister Addresses Parliament Following Bus Safety Incidents

Four students were discovered asleep on school buses last week, prompting renewed focus on student transportation safety in Bahrain. Speaking at parliament, Education Minister Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Juma’a addressed the issue following the tragic death of a child on a school bus. The minister confirmed he met with the child’s father to offer condolences and reviewed the measures taken in response to the incident.

Dr. Juma’a emphasized the distinction between early education institutions and schools, underlining the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all children are in safe hands in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Public Prosecution, and other relevant authorities.

The minister highlighted that the responsibility for students’ safety lies with bus drivers, who must check all seats before departure. He commended drivers who properly handled the recent incidents and safely returned the children home.

Dr. Juma’a also warned against hiring unlicensed drivers individually, noting that all approved drivers undergo comprehensive training at the start of each school year in coordination with the Ministry of Interior. Drivers are required to sign daily forms confirming seat inspections in the morning and evening. He pointed out that most accidents occur when drivers are untrained or fail to follow legal procedures.

Concluding his remarks, the minister said the recent tragic incident has prompted the ministry to strengthen oversight of private educational institutions and raise parental awareness about the dangers of entrusting children to unlicensed drivers. He called for mercy and forgiveness for the child who lost his life.