Students upset over poor upkeep

Muscat: As the new academic year commenced, some parents and their wards have shared complaints on the apparent lack of readiness in a few schools.

Despite commendable efforts by educational authorities, certain issues persist — notably problems with school air conditioners and insufficient cleanliness preparations. Many parents have expressed their deep concern for the well-being of their children in light of these challenges.

Alia, a concerned guardian, noted that most schools were not ready for the students. "My eleventh-grade daughter had a day off last Thursday because her school was not ready to receive students. I have other daughters attending a different school, and they, too, have complained about subpar conditions in their school," she said.

Turki Mohammad, a student, lamented: "We returned to school and found no improvement. It's the same problems as last year. The air conditioning remains unaddressed, classrooms are unprepared, dust covers the floors, and the chairs and tables are in disrepair."

Another parent, Mohammed al Kaabi, remarked, "Regrettably, this situation repeats itself, and it's not a new phenomenon. Why aren't schools maintained during the 'holiday' period? Given the ample time during the vacation, we hope the Ministry of Education will implement a comprehensive and efficient annual plan. Ensuring classrooms are clean and ready for students is paramount for a successful academic year. Academic achievements cannot be realised under physical discomfort in high temperatures, especially during the lingering summer heat.

Umm Aya, another guardian, shared her children's grievances: "My children have complained that the school is filled with dust, the air conditioners are out of order, tables are in disrepair, and the bathrooms are unclean." Mohammad Talabat also added that some schools in Dhofar city areas need 15 days to be cleaned and prepared. Meanwhile, schools in the mountains should have a one-month preparation period due to the ongoing fall season, rain, and fog, which pose visibility challenges and safety concerns for students.

Notably, many schools have reassured through their administrations that they initiated the academic year fully prepared, thanks to continuous efforts to oversee maintenance operations. Ali Al Amiri, a school administrator, emphasised, "As school administrators, we voluntarily sacrificed a week of our summer vacation to ensure our school was ready to welcome students."

Turki noted, "With the right environment, we can participate fully in our studies and reach our academic potential. When our classrooms are clean and well-equipped, it also enhances our focus on the learning process. "When we step into a classroom that's ready for us, it sends a powerful message - that our education is a top priority, and that motivates us to give our best," he said