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Coronavirus impact: Parents in UAE appeal for lower fees via online petitions

Dubai - Some school groups have started asking parents for copies of their bank statements.

Following the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, parent groups from various schools are rallying together, appealing for blanket relief packages instead of a means-tested method that is adopted by several schools, Khaleej Times has learnt.

Some school groups have started asking parents for copies of their bank statements, which several parents think is unfair and discriminatory.

The Kings' Education Group of Schools in Dubai has asked parents for three-month bank statement, salary details and termination details, if applicable, if parents need subsidised fees. UAE's largest school group Gems Education has also requested similar documents from parents.

While this move from schools has angered most parents, some have said they understand this is an 'unprecedented situation' and as time progresses parents might have to make tougher choices.

Nidhi Mahesh, a Dubai- based parent said: "My husband and I are both working, and though we have suffered salary cuts, we can still afford to send our child to school. But what about parents with two to three kids. Eventually, parents might pull their kids out of school for the academic year and wait for things to normalise. Only children will suffer."
Online petitions for free reduction
A total of 14,523 Gems Education parents signed an online petition that it is unjustified that Gems is demanding a full fee payment for the third term distance learning programme.

Rakesh Nair, a parent, said: "All offices are closed and neither are we getting paid on time. We've suffered 20 to 30 per cent reduction in salaries."

Nimi, another parent, wrote on Twitter: "Nearly 14, 000 parents at GEMS schools have collectively expressed disappointment with Gems Education for its lack of genuine support and compassion to parents at this unprecedented time."

Though GEMS Education has refused to directly comment over the issue of schools asking for bank statements, the group has told Khaleej Times that is committed to help parents who have been adversely affected by the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We have announced a deferment of fees, payment plans or discounts for families who have lost their jobs, had salary cuts or been placed on unpaid leave as a direct result of Covid-19," said a GEMS Education spokesperson.

"We are also waiving all registration fees, assessments and administration fees until further notice. This means-tested approach will allow us to allocate our relief efforts to those most in need during these unprecedented times, while retaining all our teachers and managing our cost base," added the spokesperson.

Kings Schools Dubai, Nord Anglia School parents sign petitions
Similar petitions have been signed by 970 parents of the Kings Schools in Dubai and 700 parents of Nord Anglia School.

A statement from the parents said: "We collectively appeal to Kings Schools for a minimum of 30 per cent fees reduction. For those parents that have already paid, we request their payments to be refunded or adjusted against the following year if they decide to stay with Kings for the forth coming year. However, the decision to refund or credit should be that of the parents as they may prefer to receive the funds back during these difficult times."
The schools were not available for comment.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com