Fees reduction at public and private schools proposed

TDT | Manama

House of Representatives Services Committee chairman Mamdouh Al Saleh confirmed yesterday that MPs are trying to reduce fees in public schools.

This comes after a proposal was submitted by MP Adel Al Asoumi for private schools and kindergartens to decrease their fees by 65 per cent during the leave period, which has been implemented as part of precautionary measures to help contain the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Al Asoumi said that it is only right that schools also bear the brunt and not just parents. “This is an exceptional situation and everyone is going through a hard time,” Al Asoumi explained.

“Private schools and kindergartens should understand this and take 35 per cent of the total financial dues in order to cover operating costs only, without profit during this period.” In his proposal, Al Asoumi emphasised the importance of community partnership in such exceptional circumstances.

“Schools are closed at this time and this would result in decreased operating expenses, so there is no need to take the same amount in fees,” he said. “We are at an exceptional stage, and everyone must cooperate in it and overcome this adversity with minimal damage.”