Parents and children waiting for their umbers to be drawn in Abu Dhabi Indian School on Friday.—KT file Photo by Roland Medina

“ADEC is extremely concerned about the current lack of capacity of Indian-curriculum schools and would like to assure the community that ADEC is actively looking into both long and short-term solutions,” ADEC said in a press statement.

However, it did not disclose the name of the school or the number of additional seats the school will be opening up. There are currently 25 Indian-curriculum schools in the emirate.

ADEC has identified an empty government school at Al Gharbia to provide Indian-curriculum education for up to 800 students.

ADEC said it has also discussed this issue with the Indian Ambassador and encouraged Indian investors to provide low-cost education.

For investors who present business plans to build low-cost schools that comply with ADEC standards and guidelines, the council has offered to provide free land.

In addition, ADEC is engaging bodies with experience in non-profit education models in other countries to establish schools in Abu Dhabi. “We have been working on these initiatives for some time, and we will continue to do so,” ADEC said.

Dr Pradeep Raj Purohit, second secretary at the Indian Embassy, told
Khaleej Times that suggestions at a meeting with the principals of Indian schools included increased capacity and optimum use of space available.

“We are in the process of approaching the authorities through our diplomatic channel,” he said. “We will make an announcement as soon as we have conclusive information.”

Mary Philip, whose son completed Grade 10 at Our Own English High School, commended the initiative. Her son has to go back to India this coming school year as he cannot get admission here.

“This capacity problem for Indian-curriculum schools originated because historically there are few private school operators who apply to provide education to lower-income families,” ADEC said. — olivia@khaleejtimes.com