Abu Dhabi: Setting aside children’s school fees that every parent has to pay, other necessary items such as books, stationery and uniforms may often be a burden.
Gone are the days when children could be sent to educational institutes with limited supplies. With schools just around the corner, students’ fees and demands continue to pile up, according to parents in the UAE.
Aby Hans, 45, a manager and a father of three, told Gulf News that school fees are on the rise year after year.
“I have three children and, apart from the increasing fees every year, I also pay in the range of Dh4,000 to Dh6,000 on other supplies for each one of them, which can be a burden,” he said.
Not only do school fees increase, but so do children’s demands as they grow older, he explained.
In addition, certain school requirements are asked for all year around, therefore, that range will only rise as students continue with their academic year, Aby added.
Another resident, Maribel Fermaint, 43, a Puerto Rican teacher, primarily expressed concern about how expensive books can be.
“Stationery is not very expensive here as you can buy supplies from so many different places. My main concern will always be how much money you spend on books. One of them can cost more than $300 (Dh1,110); books are definitely not that expensive back home,” she explained.
“Also, sometimes I have to get my daughter three books for science and you never know if teachers will actually be able to go through each one of them, which can be such a waste,” Maribel added.
“I would say I spend between Dh4,500-Dh5,000 per semester on stationery, books and uniforms.”
When asked whether this amount is considered excessive, especially as it is just for school supplies, Maribel said that education should never equate to how much money a parent is willing to invest.
“You can be sent to the best school but if your heart is not into learning you won’t grow. It shouldn’t be too closely linked to money but rather be synonymous with what the person seeks to achieve from it.”
Meanwhile, Jumana Mashraki, 31, a conference manager, said that she spent up to approximately Dh6,000 on her son’s school resources ahead of the forthcoming academic year.
“Every now and then my son will also require a few additional purchases, which can further boost this amount too.”
However, to Jumana, the money is never a cause for concern as she is willing to do all it takes to ensure that her son is on the road to success.
-Maisoon Mubarak is a trainee at Gulf News
