Learning, friendship and activities complete school life.

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Families surveying shelves and racks for school needs bring up memories of the freshness and crisp of new uniforms (do not forget the shoes, socks and underwear), books, notebooks among other necessities.

What a sight to behold new bright and shiny bags and lunchboxes.

Who cuts and lines up the scotch tapes? Who shall hold upright the front and back of books and notebooks while Mommy easily, smoothly, and neatly covers these?

School time! If children could only rush the days for the Academic Year 2023-2024.

Humaid Obaid Al Ali, university freshman: “I hope to see an advanced personal learning environment, more conducive to learning, engaging subjects’ matter aligned to the curriculum of the Ministry and to have the chance to explore other fields of my interest to develop my skills.”

Noor Mohamed Lari, Grade 8: “I am hoping that my school will be more pro-active in dealing with bullying and promote inclusion among students. Subjects’ matter and the teachers shall be more engaging and motivating so that we, students, will be substantially interested to study and have the reason to eagerly look forward to going to school every day.”

Anya Garneth V. Gutierrez, Grade 8, GEMS Winchester School (Dubai): “I am super excited about all the new challenges that are coming my way! Going to Grade 8 feels like a big step. There are more complex subjects and I think it is going to be really cool to learn new things. I am looking forward to a fresh start. I want to do well in all my classes and maybe join some new clubs and activities. I miss hanging out and talking with my friends. I cannot wait to hear all their stories of what they did over the break. I am really excited going back to school. I am going to make the most of it, for sure!”

Angel Gwyneth V. Gutierrez, Accounting and Finance Double Major, Curtin University: “I am eager to begin another trimester. Engaging in discussions with teachers and peers, learning new topics, and broadening my knowledge are all I look forward to; aside from developing new friendships and expanding my network. Participating in activities like clubs, volunteering, and internships are also on my to-do list. All in all, I am just excited for intellectual growth, new connections, and personal achievements.”

Himakshi Shastri, Year 13, Dubai College: “I am looking forward to traveling the world in my A Level Geography lessons! London, Mumbai, Kenya, Karachi, Abu Dhabi - our case studies allow us to explore different parts of the world, making us global learners.”

Pumipat Chaisomboonpan, Grade 7, American Community School (Abu Dhabi): “I was sad to leave Thailand because of my family and all the delicious Thai food there. But at the same time, I was really excited to go back to Abu Dhabi to see my friends and start the new year.”

Chad Chuttong, Grade 9, GEMS American School (Abu Dhabi): “I am very excited to start the new school-year because this will be my first year as a high school student. I am excited to participate in sports and classes with my friends.”

Deborah Vazquez, 4.5, FS2, Arcadia Global School: “I am excited because I like to do creative things in school.”

Renata Vazquez, 6, Year 2, Arcadia Global School: “I am excited because I like the play area and we get to see each other at school.”

Tegan Turner, 8, Year 4: “I am excited to do new and challenging projects and activities with my friends.”

Muhammad Khairuzzaky Adam, 10, Grade 5, Summit International School (Abu Dhabi): “I am excited to meet new friends and learn more subjects such as Math, Science, and English. I am looking forward to have an indoor swimming class because during the summer, I could not go out to swim and meet friends.”

Quality education is ranked fourth among the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is not a privilege but a right. Through and with it, virtue, intellect, talent and skill are discovered, encouraged and honed towards greater chances of equity.