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Pakistani school in Dubai gets new lease of life

Low-cost school starts implementing the recommendations of education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), bringing a much needed change.

The Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School, Dubai, that is undergoing renovation. — KT photo by Juidin Bernarrd

Dubai — More than 1,400 students at a low-cost Pakistani school will benefit from a renovation project which is expected to improve education standards. Senior officials at the Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School have started implementing the recommendations of education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), bringing a much needed change.

“The school should be a symbol of excellence. We wanted the school ecosystem to improve. In less than a month, the renovation work has made tremendous strides. The whole campus is now Wifi enabled and students will have access to smart learning systems in each of the 53 classrooms,” said Javed Jalil Khattak, Consul-General of Pakistan for Dubai and Northern Emirates.

Students resuming their classes for the new academic year will be greeted with new facilities and learning tools. The green paint, the diplomat said, reflected a new approach to learning.

“It’s not just a new coat of paint but a whole new approach to learning. This school reflects the face of the Pakistani community and we don’t want to be lagging behind. This is a collaborative effort which shows a sense of ownership on the part of our community,” he added.

A new principal was recently appointed by the school board, in line with the long-standing recommendation by KHDA. The change in leadership has already led to positive change, with a curriculum overhaul and teacher training programme hoping to improve academic standards.

Speaking with Khaleej Times, Dr Akhtar Waqas, the school’s new principal said: “Introducing technology in the school will benefit the students greatly and it will be one of the core components of our new approach to education. Even the teachers will benefit from specialised teacher training programmes. Ultimately, we want to provide the students with the best opportunities possible from our part.”

Philanthropists and well-wishers of the school have contributed significantly to the school’s new transformation plan. New lighting fixtures, white boards, projection systems and flooring have been put in place for the new semester.

“We have implemented all the 13 recommendations from the KHDA and we are now hoping to become a model school with a unique story to share,” added Dr Akhtar.

The school has received an unsatisfactory rating since 2011 and periodic inspections have highlighted shortcomings in the school’s ability to act on its weaknesses.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com