41% of Kindergarten Teachers in Bahrain Earn Under BD150

In kindergarten classrooms, where children first learn language, behavior, and discipline, teachers play a role that goes far beyond teaching. They provide care, guidance, and emotional support, spending long hours working with young children who require patience and constant attention. Despite the importance of this foundational role, many kindergarten teachers continue to face difficult living and working conditions.

According to data from the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, more than 41% of kindergarten teachers earn less than BD150 per month, even though around 60% hold a professional diploma in early childhood education. These figures highlight a clear gap between teachers’ qualifications and responsibilities on one side, and their financial compensation on the other. The sector is largely run by private institutions and does not have a legally binding minimum wage.

While some explanations point to market supply and demand and to regulated school fees, teachers report ongoing challenges such as seasonal and unstable contracts, unpaid periods during school holidays, and practices that affect their job security and mental well-being. At the same time, MPs have repeatedly called for legislation to address the issue by setting a fair minimum wage, ensuring job continuity, and providing social insurance. Although wage support programs exist, they have not reached all teachers and are not seen as a complete solution.

This report examines the issue of kindergarten teachers’ salaries from legal, regulatory, union, and human perspectives, using official data and field accounts. It aims to understand why these conditions persist and to shed light on the daily reality of teachers who help shape future generations while facing financial uncertainty themselves.