Karen Torres, mom of two Filipino children in Abu Dhabi, has set up a dedicated space in their home as a virtual classroom for her two children. She is among thousands of Filipino parents in the UAE who have opted for distance learning for academic year 2020-2021.
The Filipino Times found out that around 90% of Filipino parents have chosen this mode of education instead of a blended learning environment, wherein their children would have to go to school at least 2-3 times a week.
Numbers from two Filipino schools reveal 900 out of 1000 students at The Philippine Global School in Abu Dhabi, and 1400 out of 1500 students at The Philippine School in Dubai, had parents opt for online distance learning modules for academic year 2020-2021.
“Mas pinili kong online muna ang mga anak ko para safe laban sa COVID-19 kaya naman pinaghanda ko talaga sila ng space sa isang parte ng bahay para maayos at ma-feel nila kahit papaano na talagang ito ang space nila para sa kanilang pag-aaral,” said Torres.
Many parents like Torres chose not to send their children to actual schools due to the ongoing risks of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
As of September 2, the country recorded 735 more COVID-19 cases, bring the total tally to 71,540. The number of recoveries stand at 62,029 while the death toll is at 387.
Online vs. Blended
Educational institutions across the UAE have been complying with their emirate’s respective guidelines when it comes to accepting students for this academic year.
Two of the most prominent learning models this year are the blended learning model that fuses both face-to-face learning and distance learning on alternative days, and the full distance learning option – wherein students complete their studies from the comforts of their home, daily.
Lizabeth Comia, principal at the Philippine Global School in Abu Dhabi, stated that out of more than 1000 students, only over 100 students have returned to their classrooms when it began last August 30. The rest of the students, 900 or over 9 out of 10 students, chose distance learning as advised by their parents.
“We have created a set A and set B for our students as well as a full distance learning option and parents can choose which one they would prefer. More than a hundred students have already returned,” said Comia.
Abu Dhabi’s Philippine Emirates Private School (PEPS) records the majority of their students whose parents decided they will go for distance learning instead.
“Parents are given options to choose which model they prefer. As a whole 95 students have chosen to come back,” said PEPS Principal Lalaine Ragodon.
This is the same case in Dubai where the Philippine School – Dubai estimates around 100 of their students are currently engaged in blended learning. The rest of over 1,500 enrollees or over 90% has opted to study from home.
“We are just following the guidelines of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Parents who chose face to face will have their children either come to school every Sunday and Monday or Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday is dedicated for sterilization,” said Carol Salinas, Subject Area Coordinator for the English Department in The Philippine School – Dubai.
Meanwhile in Sharjah, the Al Alfiah Filipino Private School has yet to begin their classes as they intend to ensure that children aged 12 and above whose parents opt for the blended/hybrid model are safe from COVID-19 infection before they come to school.
“We’ll start school by the first week of September due to compliance. Ages 4-11 do not need COVID-19 tests. Students aged 12 onwards must present their negative COVID-19 test,” said Al Alfiah Filipino Private School Principal and Co-Founder Marjorie Nazaret.
Discounts for parents in need
Filipino schools across the UAE understand the plight of many overseas Filipino parents whose livelihood and monthly salaries might have been affected due to the impact of the spread of COVID-19. This is why they are also open to discuss options to parents to help their children continue with their education.
“Yung mga parents, ngayon pa lang magde-decide kung mag-e-enroll kasi budget reasons. We are offering discounts – depende po sa situation ng parents,” said Nazaret.
Other schools opted to provide flat discounts so that parents can budget their expenses ahead of the year. “We offered discounts of 10% on tuition fees and another 15% on mandatory fees,” said Salinas.
In Abu Dhabi, Comia said they offer flexible payment options for parents whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic. “It’s a case to case basis. We offer flexibility in the schedule of payments as well,” she said.
Ragodon states they have provided more payment options as well. “We are being understanding of the situation of the parents in this crisis so we give them the flexibility of payment,” she said.
All these schools interviewed by TFT stated that admissions are still ongoing, with many parents inquiring more about distance learning than the blended models.
Parents like Torres remain optimistic that the UAE will be able to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease the soonest, with public obedience to health and safety standards, so that their kids can soon head back to the actual physical learning set up.
“By December siguro kapag okay na at wala nang kaso ng COVID-19, pwede na sigurong ibalik ang mga bata sa eskwelahan. Mas maganda syempre pa kung may proven na at aprubadong vaccine ang UAE,” said Torres.
