Low-income families suffer as UAE schools second most expensive globally

Low-income families suffer as UAE schools second most expensive globally
While the UAE boasts about a “progressive” step they have taken by allowing expats to study in public schools, expat children are still made to pay a fee to attend.
2 min read
04 July, 2017
For many poorer children in the UAE university is nothing short of a dream [Getty]
The UAE is the second most expensive country for education, with parents paying more than double the average global price for education, a new report has revealed.

More than 8,400 parents in 15 countries were surveyed for the report, released by HSBC’s The Value of Education series, revealing disheartening results for parents in the sheikhdom.

Parents are often forced to make personal sacrifices to fund their children’s education, and are at times compelled to consider ways to finance their children’s education before they even enter the age for primary school.

For young couples, this also means reconsidering the concept of having children, if they cannot afford to raise them.

“Their unwavering support [of parents] shows in the personal, lifestyle and financial sacrifices they are making. From forfeiting ‘me time’ to giving up hobbies or reducing leisure activities, parents are going the extra mile to help their child succeed,” Charlie Nunn, HSBC’s Group Head of Wealth Management said.

While some employers offer to pay education expenses of children, less than 10 percent offer to cover full expenses of education costs, leaving the poorest of expat workers, who are subject to systematic exploitation the most disadvantaged if they have children in the country.

While the UAE boasts about a “progressive” step they have taken by allowing expats to study in public schools in a 2001 reformation, expat children are still made to pay a fee to attend.

While the cost of education is an undeniable burden in the UAE, the fact that the poorest of the poor are unable to access adequate education reflects a wider problem within the socioeconomic structure within the UAE.

“In today’s highly competitive global job market, education for young people has never been more important. Parents across the world appreciate this and are willing to invest time and money to help their children get the best start in life,” Nunn said.

In other words, not having the means to educate a child could risk in them falling into the poverty trap, commodifying what should be a fundamental right for children in order for them to reach their full potential and be in charge of their own future.