Filipino school helps parents with financial assistance

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Staff Reporter

Philippine curriculum United International Private School (UIPS) in Dubai is extending assistance to parents financially-impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic.

The official announcement came by on Friday when UIPS managing director Dr. Mohammed Al Neyadi led the virtual “28th Commencement Exercises” of the Class of 2020 via the social media site You Tube.

Joining Al Neyadi in felicitating the 537 graduates of Kindergarten 2 (307), Grade 6 (120), Junior High School (114), and Senior High School (56) were Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes, and radio programme host Louie Da Costa, an alumna.

Al Neyadi’s taped speech congratulated each graduating class, pointing out that they are a ”remarkable” set of young individuals having hurdled the COVID19-caused new lifestyle. He encouraged them to embrace all lessons learnt within the confines of their virtual classrooms and their homes for “meaningful lives” ahead. He urged them to go for and pursue a brighter tomorrow, imparting a “food for thought” through American abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman’s “Every great dream starts with a dream” as he lifted them all unto Allah’s care and guidance.

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As it has been a tradition that each graduating class has younger siblings at UIPS, Al Neyadi assured all parents of the enrollment of their children for academic year 2021-2022.

“For the parents who have been affected with the pandemic, UIPS is here to extend assistance for you; to continue your child’s quality education they deserve. Do not worry.”

He added: “The school has a plan. Discounts, health assistance and others that parents might need.”

The initiative is under the “Parents Assistance System” under the responsibility of the school principal.

A father who had been informed last Wednesday of his employer’s decision on a six-month “No Work-No Pay” scheme told Gulf Today: “I can surely make it through scrimping. This is good news. Thank you God. Thank you UIPS. My child will continue his studies.”

Ambassador Quintana’s taped speech was aired at the Junior and Senior High School ceremonies. She paid tribute to the wise leadership of the UAE who successfully navigated and ensured that the youth across the country-including the young Filipinos-acquire the education they need without disruptions. She acknowledged the specific important roles of the school and the parents in these critical times.

She reminded the graduates to cherish everything learnt; look back to the UAE, their adopted home; value family who would always be there no matter what; and take heart resiliency “in order to thrive” in each and every situation life may bring them.

Before the Grade 6 graduates and also via a taped speech, Consul General Cortes highlighted the significance of the novel form of “digital education” combined with improving information technology. He expressed gratitude to all parents and school officials and staff for assisting the children welcome and accept this modality. He was hopeful that as a community alongside policy makers, is a fruition of invaluable contributions to the advancement of this burgeoning trend.

Da Costa’s taped speech before the Kindergarten 2 and their parents spoke about the young pupils’ “first milestone, doing things on their own little by little.” As a parent herself, she expressed her thoughts on a God-centered family life and upbringing.

Parents Policarpio and Mila Tinaja of Grade 6 class valedictorian/with high honours Irish Paula told this reporter: “As they say, the show must go on. The virtual ceremonies were exceptional. We have to accept the conditions we are in.

“We are grateful that the implemented online and distance learning are a success. We all made it. No one wants this COVID19 to happen. We must make our health and safety, the health and safety of our children, our top most priority.”