Covid in Abu Dhabi: Private schools eager to get more students vaccinated

Abu Dhabi - Move follows authorities' approval of blue initiative, allowing schools in the capital to relax safety measures

Private schools in Abu Dhabi have stepped up efforts to ensure that a large number of their pupils get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The move follows the authorities' approval of the blue initiative, which allows all schools in the emirate to relax measures and return to normal operations based on vaccination rates.

Abu Dhabi officials on Tuesday said the blue initiative, which is to be implemented from the second term of the current academic year, recognises vaccination as the key path to recovery, re-emphasises transparency, and enhances students' learning and social experience.

Neeraj Bhargava, Principal of Abu Dhabi Indian School said his school, which has more than 5,000 said although there has been a challenge in getting most of their pupils vaccinated given the huge number, the school has intensified communication with parents about the need to have their kids vaccinated for the safe return to normal school operations.

"Majority of our pupils are still learning remotely but we want them to return to the school campus for physical learning," said Bhargava.

"Our teachers are speaking to parents daily about the importance of physical learning and the need to have their children vaccinated to boost their immune systems so they can return for physical learning."

He added that through having as many pupils vaccinated as possible, it will help school operations return to normalcy.

"I had proposed to authorities about the need to have vaccination centres at school campuses as this would attract more parents to have their kids vaccinated, but this not yet been considered," he said.

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Dr Thakur S. Mulchandani, Director/Principal of Sunrise English Private School in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi says their recent survey shows that 70 percent of their pupils below the age of 16 have been vaccinated.

"We are excited about the 'blue' initiative because it will push more parents to have their kids get vaccinated. We have increased efforts to ensure the safe return for physical learning through carrying awareness programs for our parents about the importance of vaccination for the children," he said.

According to Mulchandani, only 10 per cent of their 2,850 pupils have returned to school for in-class lessons during the school term as parents still fear for the safety of their kids.

"Our focus now also includes showing the parents the need for physical learning to support the kids' social and mental development," he said.

"Live teaching is very good because it enables the child to interact with the teacher. It also improves the child's happiness and wellbeing."