Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi delivered a speech marking the beginning of the new academic year and students' return to public schools. He congratulated the educational and administrative staff, students and their parents, wishing them a successful year to bring about more achievements under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and thanks to the support of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
He pointed out that more than 100 new classes will be opened this year as part of the Education Ministry's efforts to provide education for all and cope with the growing number of students which exceeded 130,000 in all stages in the first semester of this year.
The Education Minister also revealed that around 10,000 new students have attended the first primary class this year, pointing out that more students with special needs are being integrated at schools. He added that kindergartens are also receiving special attention from the Education Ministry by equipping them with a suitable curriculum to improve the educational services for the students there.
As for higher education, the minister said the efforts will continue unabated to ensure students have access to top-class higher education that meets international standards. He said a detailed diagnosis of the situation in higher education institutions has been made recently by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with a think-tank to ensure their conformity with set up standards and regulations by the High Education Council.
The Education Minister thanked the educational staff for their efforts in performing their duties, underlining the ministry's resolve to continue improving their professional status through a comprehensive scheme aimed at boosting their competence and opening new promotion horizons for them. He stressed that the ministry will go ahead with the implementation of the National Project for Developing Education and Training and related programmes.