Ministry clarifies unified uniform for schools

A new unified school uniform would be implemented across the country from the new academic year as instructed last year to the respective education zone administration, Ministry of Education has announced.

However, the ministry has clarified that school bags would not come under the purview of the new uniform code, contrary to the general impression, 'Gulf News' reported.

Fawzia Hassan Gareeb, Undersecretary at the Ministry and Assistant of the education operations section, said the Ministry did not instruct schools to enforce a unified school bag system, however, a guideline regarding the unified school uniforms was sent a year ago to the education zone administrations and that it will be implemented during the 2011/2012
school year.

According to Gareeb, the new guideline takes into consideration the appropriate appearance of school students that are in line with the values of the school community of various education levels, while reaffirming the importance of the society's values and identity.

The new unified code obligates male students to wear the dishdasha (kandura), the traditional UAE dress, as well as a sports uniform of a common colour and specifications.

Though, no specific design or dress has been given for girl students, a guideline has been issued that says the new uniform will be distinguished by modesty while still reflecting the virtuous attributes of their society.

The girl's sports uniform will be made according to specifications that ensure a modest appearance, while taking into consideration the comfort required for practicing their sport activities.

"The guideline was distributed to education zones as a guide to reach a unified appearance for students. The Ministry of Education has granted the education zones the authority to implement the guideline by coordinating with school administrations to agree to a specific uniform that will not be costly for parents and guardians," she said.

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