Dubai: The Pakistani community in the UAE believes more should be done to provide Pakistani children in the country with quality education.

The community’s concern was sparked by the revelation by the Pakistani Ambassador, who told Gulf News on Monday that more than 20,000 Pakistani children, who come from low-income families in the UAE, do not go to school.

In addition to the financial burden, Asif Durrani said there are limited seats in schools being run under the supervision of the Pakistani missions. The ambassador claimed that the Pakistani mission schools are the cheapest in the country as they range roughly from Dh185 to Dh300 per month. Some schools, which cater to higher social classes, charge up to Dh500 a month.

Durrani called on the community to help expand the schools or help pay the fees of student in need.

Responding to the ambassador’s plea, Tanvir Khawaja, President of Pakistan Business Council, said the ambassador’s statement was an eye- opener.

“As members of the Pakistani community who are living in the UAE, this issue naturally becomes our responsibililty. Dubai has become a very expensive place, where education fees and rent is increasing, so it can be difficult for people with low incomes to maintain their families here.”

As a member of the Pakistani business community in the country, Khawaja said the Pakistani consulate and embassy should reconstitute the school’s board of directors to include more Pakistani businessmen.

“When the businessmen are involved and they see where their money is going they will be more willing to invest to help expand and improve schools. The UAE government has given some of these schools large pieces of land so helping to build more classrooms can be a good solution.”

Khawaja also recommended starting evening classes in these schools in order to take in more students during each academic year.

Mir Waqas Ellahi, chairman of the Pakistan Professional Wings, an organisation which has supported around 1,296 students in the last five years, said a lot more work needs to be done.

“We have spent one million dirhams on educating 200 students every year for the last six years in Abu Dhabi we have even helped expand a school’s classrooms and are planning to refurbish a school in Al Ain but, obviously, because of the large number of students there is still a lot to be done.”

Ellahi said the most important thing in this situation is to raise awareness. “Awareness is important. Continuously reminding the community will make everyone come together to find a solution.”

Al Maktoum Foundation also responded to the ambassador’s plea. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, board member of Al Maktoum Foundation, said the foundation welcomes suggestions to help the situation.

“We have been paying the school fees of a lot of students who come from low-income backgrounds. Based on the students’ situation, we can also support some of the students who are in critical need to be helped financially. ”

Al Sayegh said having such a large number of students not attending schools can cause a lot of problems in the country, and charity organisations as well as the community should help make these students effective members of society.

Commenting on the issue on the Gulf News website, Kashif Shaikh believes having two shifts can help solve the problem.

“I think two shifts is a very good idea which will reduce the overall cost. To construct the new classes, community members need to join together to educate at least some of the 20,000 children out of school.”

Another respondent suggested starting a fund by the Pakistani community in the country.

“Start a fund contribution by the Pakistani community, but the collection and distribution of funds should be very transparent. I would be happy to be part of such work,” said Riffat.