School Shade Plan Turned Down

TDT | Manama

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A plan to put up shade shelters for girls waiting outside Al Dair Primary Intermediate Girls’ School has been turned down by the Education Ministry, which says pupils already wait inside the school grounds under staff watch.

The proposal came from Muharraq Municipal Council member Fadhel Al Oud, who wants shelters for pupils waiting for parents or school transport after lessons.

In its reply, the ministry said pupils’ waiting areas fall within the school grounds and are under the direct watch of the school administration.

It said this meant it could not put up shelters outside the school grounds for pupils waiting to be picked up.

Mr Al Oud told The Daily Tribune that the need remained, especially during the hottest months.

‘Girls can be left waiting in strong sun after school while they wait for their parents or transport,’ he said. ‘A shaded area would give them cover from the heat and from rain in winter.’

He called on the ministry to look again at the plan and find a way to provide shade within its safety rules.

‘This is not only about summer,’ he said. ‘In winter, pupils can also be caught in the rain while waiting to leave school.’

Mr Al Oud said shelters around the school would give pupils cover from sun, rain and other weather while they wait outside classrooms or prepare to leave.

Muharraq Municipal Council had approved the proposal after calls for covered waiting spots for girls at the school.