Are there out of school children in the wealthiest countries of the world?

While countries in the gulf are known for their massive investments in education and their commitment to the SDG goals, it may be difficult to imagine that despite these investments, there are still children within these countries who have never studied in a classroom. This article will discuss the reasons behind why some children do not attend schools while highlighting recent efforts aimed at creating more inclusive education systems in the region.

Which children are out of school? A study by Al-Hendawi and Keller highlighted the various risk factors in the GCC which were associated with out of school children. These include disabilities both diagnosed and undiagnosed, dropouts, and familial struggles. Yet, there are multiple additional factors which cause a segment of the population to be hidden from the system. In Kuwait for example, there is a large population of undocumented Bedouins who find barriers to enrolling their children in education. While the numbers are difficult to pinpoint there is a reported population of individuals residing in the GCC illegally often due to the overstay of work visas. These individuals may be accompanied by children or may give birth to children without hospitals or paperwork. The lack of documentation makes it nearly impossible for children to be enrolled in schools.

What is being done? GCC countries have already started implementing reforms to increase the inclusivity of the education system. For example, the Assalam Schools in Qatar provide high quality free schooling to over 2000 children between the ages of 6 and 18 regardless of the immigration status of parents. These schools cater to students from both Arab and non-Arab backgrounds. In Kuwait, the government subsidizes private education for Bedouin children. Furthermore, in the UAE, the country passed federal law guaranteeing people with special needs equal opportunities in education within all educational, vocational training, adult education, and continuing education institutions. These efforts have increased the variety of services and educational opportunities available for children with special needs. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education allowed children of individuals without visas to register in schools. This has allowed thousands of children who would have been excluded from the education system the opportunity to continue their studies as their parents completed the required paperwork. Can more be done? While there are multiple efforts being made to increase the inclusivity of schools in the GCC, the task is complex with various factors to consider. Thus, the true achievement of SDG goal 4 ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all children requires creative policy level solutions. VIA experts have experience working with national entities to develop policy level reforms that could pave the path towards inclusive education for all.

Sources

• Al-Hendawi, M. and Keller, C., 2014. Beyond the walls of the school: Risk factors and children and youth in the Gulf. Near and Middle Eastern journal of research in education, 2014(1), p.1.

• 437646-education-rights-for-stateless-bidoon-ch-f8a2c4ac.pdf (neliti.com)

• Assalam Schools | Education Above All Foundation

• Education for people of determination - The Official Portal of the UAE Government

• Saudi Arabia allows children of illegal residents to enroll at school | Arab News

• Thousands of undocumented children in the UAE go without education and medical care - The Washington Post