UAE: Pakistani teacher retires from Indian curriculum school after 37 years

One of Dubai's longest-serving school teachers is retiring after 37 years of working in the same school and for seven different principals.

Pakistani expatriate Ghazala Dar, who taught Urdu and Islamic Studies at an Indian curriculum school for over three decades, is bidding adieu to GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai, on June 30.

"I leave with a heavy yet very content and happy heart. The experience has been unlike anything else," said Ghazala.

"I completed my graduation in Pakistan and did my bachelor in education (B.Ed) from there as well. I worked in a semi-government school as a primary teacher for two years. After my marriage, my husband and I moved to the UAE," she told Khaleej Times.

The Lahore-native arrived in the UAE in 1981. Though she had interviewed with then school principal Professor Varghese, she officially joined the school as an Urdu and Islamic studies teacher on November 13, 1984. "I couldn't join in 1981 since I was pregnant with my first child. After she grew old enough, I came back for an interview and joined the school when I was 28," said Ghazala.

When Ghazala walked into the school campus for the first time, the construction of the school's Oud Metha campus was ongoing. "In 1984, the foundation of the school was being built. He was working out of an old portacabin."

Ghazala would see Mariamma Varkey, the founder of the first GEMS school, interact and oversee discipline on the school campus. "She would hold a cane and monitor the discipline of students on campus. I will never forget the influence she had on us."

She said madam Varkey had a very loving and motherly attitude and was a caring motherly attitude. "The family (Varkey) has been so generous. They showered us with a lot of love and respect. They have remained humble, and they took such good care of us," she added.

The teacher also said the school has always remained special for her. "Right from the time the new buildings were built until the time of teaching during the pandemic, my experiences here have only been extremely fulfilling. I have learnt so much with the students," said Ghazala.

Though Ghazala had the opportunity to join a school run by the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, she chose to stay back at her school. "Once you settle down here, it is impossible to leave. I felt I was at home. I knew I would not get it anywhere else with security and comfort.

Ghazala said about her teaching experiences during the pandemic, "I learnt how to become proficient in online teaching methodologies. Even before the pandemic, we were given training on how to use technology in our teaching. I grew up with the students," she added.

"I look forward to doing more such work when I leave," she added.