UAE academic year begins: Indian schools deliver books, offer free virtual counselling

With many families hesitant to send children to campuses, schools have begun delivering textbooks directly to homes. Photo: KT file

With learning materials arriving before classes begin and guidance available online, students are starting the year better prepared despite the unusual circumstances

As a new academic year gets underway amid ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, some Indian schools in the UAE that are commencing classes on Monday, are stepping in with practical solutions to ensure students remain on track.

With many families hesitant to send children to campuses, schools have begun delivering textbooks directly to homes — an effort widely welcomed by parents seeking continuity in learning.

At the same time, institutions are expanding support systems beyond academics. From structured logistics for resource distribution to free virtual counselling for university-bound students, schools are adapting quickly to minimise disruption and ease anxiety among families navigating uncertainty.

For many parents, these measures have brought a sense of stability. With learning materials arriving before classes begin and guidance readily available online, students are starting the year better prepared despite the unusual circumstances.

Schools say the focus is clear: maintain academic momentum while supporting student wellbeing — both critical as communities adjust to a challenging start to the year.

GIIS Book Distribution ahead of the new academic year. Photo: Supplied

Home delivery ensures uninterrupted learning

Some schools have even taken the step of physically distributing books to students, as attendance on campuses remains limited.

At Global Indian International School (GIIS) Dubai, Principal Anita Singh explained that the move was driven by both safety and continuity concerns. Emphasising that “learning is not hindered for lack of resources,” she noted how the school responded to parent requests while staying compliant with regulations.

“Keeping the directives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and being compliant in mind, we took the crucial decision of distributing books to parents at home. Parents were very happy with this initiative as it ensured continuity of learning without any gaps that would impact student performance.”

LEAM Education Book Distribution. Photo: Supplied

Similarly, The Indian Academy, Dubai, part of the LEAMS Education Group, rolled out a structured system for textbook distribution. Through early procurement, phased deliveries, and a centralised online ordering platform, the school ensured resources reached students ahead of the academic year.

Highlighting the planning behind the initiative, Hajera Lahir, Director, LEAMS Education, said, “Ensuring that every student is fully prepared from the first day of the academic year is a key priority for us. Through structured planning and coordinated execution, we have ensured that learning resources are delivered in advance, supporting continuity, confidence, and consistent academic progress for all students.”

GIIS Virtual counselling for outgoing Grade 12 students. Photo: Supplied

Virtual counselling supports students, parents

Beyond logistics, schools are also addressing the emotional and academic pressures faced by students — particularly those who could not appear for the Grade 12 board exams in the UAE due to the ongoing war, but are now applying to universities.

At GIIS Dubai, virtual counselling sessions were introduced after educators noticed rising anxiety levels. Singh pointed out that “students felt the pressure,” prompting the school to proactively offer support for both career guidance and mental wellbeing.

“Counselling sessions were taken online for students to support them with applications for different Universities,” she said, adding that flexible scheduling allowed parents to participate actively in decision-making.

She further underlined the importance of accessible guidance, noting, “In a competitive market, where counselling comes at a price and that too a big one, we take the onus of making it a service for all student. We approach it holistically and ensure that students are not only well-prepared but also confident and resilient as they make life-defining choices.”