Concerned over their children being made to attend outdoor assemblies in the sweltering conditions, parents of students studying in some of the Indian expatriate schools are planning to approach the Supreme Education Council (SEC) to seek redress, it is understood.
Students – as well as teachers - are often made to stand in the open to listen to announcements by the school for durations ranging from 15 to 30 minutes and sometimes even more, say sources.
This is unnecessary and can pose health hazards to children as spending time outdoors is not at all desirable in view of the rising temperature and extreme heat, the parents argue.
“The school where our children are studying has been doing this despite our frequent appeals against this practice,” said a parent who has two children studying in the school.
The parents do not have any problems with schools holding outdoor assemblies between October and February, when the weather is pleasant, it is learnt. However, continuation of the practice in the summer months is what they are strongly opposed to.
Gulf Times has learnt that many children, especially those studying in lower classes, reportedly face problems such as fever, headache and throat, nose and ear infections on the days morning assemblies are held in the open grounds during the summer.
In recent months, the SEC has taken a number of decisions that many parents feel will ensure better conditions in the expatriate schools.
“The local authorities should now intervene to stop morning assemblies that are held under scorching conditions at some of the schools,” said a parent, who questioned the logic of holding assemblies in the open when the schools have proper indoor facilities to communicate with students.
It is not only outdoor assemblies in summer that the parents are opposed to. They also want the schools to do away with other outdoor activities during this period.
“During the summer, the Labour Ministry issues directives to stop work between 11.30am and 3.30pm at construction sites. We are expecting a similar initiative from the SEC against outdoor activities during the summer,” said a parent, echoing the view of several others.
