Latest news with #PASS
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
New Policy: Abu Dhabi Schools Can Halt Operations For Up To 3 Years
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that private schools in the emirate may temporarily suspend operations for a minimum of one academic year and up to a maximum of three academic years, subject to prior approval from the Department. The revised school licensing policy, now available on ADEK's official website, provides detailed guidance on the temporary closure process and associated responsibilities. According to the policy, any school intending to temporarily close must submit a formal request addressing four key components: The reason for closure The proposed date of closure (which must coincide with the end of the academic year) Proposed arrangements to facilitate the transfer of students to other schools Submission of the request no less than six months before the academic year concludes Once ADEK grants approval, the school is required to inform all stakeholders—including staff and parents—within seven days. If a school remains closed for longer than three academic years, its licence will be automatically revoked. To resume operations, it must apply for a new licence. Permanent closure is also permitted, provided the school submits a formal cancellation request to the Department. Schools granted approval for temporary closure must meet the following eight obligations: Fulfil all legal and contractual obligations towards staff, parents, students, and external parties Obtain all required legal and financial clearances Settle outstanding dues to staff in accordance with contract terms and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation's regulations Refund any unearned fees to parents Remove any transfer restrictions on students through the Electronic Student Information System (eSIS) Cancel staff work permits via the Private Schools Staff System (PASS) at least 20 working days prior to closure Submit all student records and files to ADEK within 20 working days of the closure date Provide parents with their children's academic reports and transfer certificates In the case of voluntary permanent closure, schools must formally request the cancellation of their licence in accordance with ADEK's policy. If a school wishes to resume operations after a temporary suspension, it must reapply and fulfil all licensing requirements. In instances of non-compliance, ADEK may enforce a forced closure and revoke the school's licence, as stipulated in its compliance policy. As outlined in Article (8) of the Private Schools Regulatory Framework—introduced under Executive Council Resolution No. (26) of 2013—ADEK issues three categories of licences for private schools: A Provisional Licence may be issued to new schools upon submission of a complete and compliant application, in line with the Private Schools Policy and Guidelines Manual. This licence is valid for one academic year and may be renewed once, subject to the school's adherence to its approved operational plan and any additional conditions imposed by ADEK. Schools seeking to renew their Provisional Licence must apply at least 60 days before the licence expires. ADEK may inspect the school to assess its progress. Notably, the provisional period cannot extend beyond one academic year from the commencement of educational activities. This updated policy came into effect in the first term of the 2024/2025 academic year. Full compliance is expected by the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year. Schools are required to obtain a General Licence within two years of starting operations. This licence, valid for two years, is granted to schools that have undergone inspection and received a minimum rating of 'acceptable.' Renewal applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to expiry, and ADEK reserves the right to conduct inspections as part of the review process. An Accredited Licence may be issued following a comprehensive inspection and evaluation by ADEK or an authorised third party. To qualify, a school must meet ADEK's minimum accreditation standards. This type of licence is valid for up to five years. The Director General of ADEK is authorised to revoke any type of school licence—Provisional, General, or Accredited—at any time if the institution fails to comply with the requirements set out in Executive Council Resolution No. (26).
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi private schools can suspend operations for up to 3 years after providing valid reasons
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has affirmed that private schools are permitted to temporarily suspend their operations for a period of at least one academic year and up to three academic years, provided they obtain approval from the department. ADEK clarified that schools opting for temporary closure (1-3 years) must adhere to the requirements outlined in the department's licencing guide. Schools exceeding the maximum temporary suspension period of three academic years will have their licences automatically revoked by ADEK. In such cases, schools must reapply for a licence if they wish to resume operations. Regarding permanent voluntary closure and licence revocation, schools have the right to cease operations permanently after submitting a request. ADEK emphasised that schools seeking temporary or permanent closure must submit an application meeting four requirements: the reason for closure, the proposed closure date, arrangements to facilitate student transfers to other schools, and submission of the application at least six months before the end of the academic year. Additionally, schools must also notify relevant parties, employees, and parents within seven days of receiving ADEK's approval. ADEK outlined additional closure requirements including fulfilling all legal and contractual obligations toward employees, parents, students, and external parties, obtaining legal and financial clearances, paying all dues to employees in accordance with contract terms and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation requirements, refunding any unearned fees collected from parents, lifting transfer restrictions on the Student Data System (eSIS) and cancel work permits for school staff on the Private School Staff Data System (PASS) at least 20 working days before closure, submitting all student records and files to ADEK within 20 working days of closure and providing relevant student reports and transfer certificates to parents. For permanent voluntary closure, schools must apply for licence revocation in line with this policy. ADEK further explained that under the licencing policy, schools permitted to resume operations must reapply for a licence whose approval depends on the school meeting ADEK's requirements. In cases of forced closure and licence revocation, ADEK may require a school to cease operations in accordance with its policy, leading to licence cancellation. The department affirmed that this policy came into effect at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year (first semester).
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
More than 120 people sleeping rough on Dublin's streets
The count confirmed that 121 individuals were rough sleeping across the four Dublin local authorities during this period. This marks a 5pc decrease from the Spring 2024 count, when 128 individuals were found rough sleeping. While the slight decrease is encouraging, Dublin Simon Community cautions that it does not reflect a true reduction in homelessness. 'While we welcome the 5pc decrease in the number of individuals recorded sleeping rough, we must recognise that this does not reflect a reduction in homelessness overall,' Emma McMillen, Director of Homeless & Community Services at Dublin Simon Community, said. 'These figures certainly reflect the relentless efforts of outreach teams and the scaling up of emergency beds in recent years. 'But these are short-term measures. Without access to secure, affordable housing and effective health and therapeutic support, people remain trapped in a cycle of homelessness. 'The reality is that emergency accommodation is operating at capacity, and more people are becoming stuck in the system with no exit route due to the housing crisis. 'The Dublin Simon Outreach team will continue to work tirelessly to engage with individuals by identifying their specific needs, referring them to wraparound services, and advocating on their behalf with partners across the sector. 'Sleeping out on the street comes with serious health and safety risks, and every person doing so represents an urgent humanitarian concern. No one should be left without shelter in a crisis like this,' she added. Dublin Simon Community worked with staff from the DRHE and Dublin City Council (DCC) to ensure that experienced staff were available to carry out the official count in an effective, sensitive, and professional manner. The report highlights that rough sleeping continues to be a serious issue, with each person sleeping on the streets facing significant health and safety risks. The count was carried out from March 31 to April 6, 2025, and of the 121 people found rough sleeping, 82pc had previously been assessed or were assessed during the count week by the Local Authority. Some 94pc were linked with one of the four Dublin local authorities, 55pc were using tents, and 45pc were not. Fourteen unique couples, comprising 28 individuals (of which 23 individuals had Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS) identification), were found rough sleeping in the Spring 2025 count. Dublin Simon Community says this highlights the need for an "increased number of couples' beds". The PASS is an online shared system utilised by every homeless service provider and all local authorities in Ireland. The system provides 'real-time' information on homeless presentations and bed occupancy across the Dublin region. In the Spring 2025 count, 26 individuals accessed Emergency Accommodation at some stage during the count week. A further 22 individuals had an Emergency Accommodation booking during the count week, which they did not access. 65 individuals had a booking for Emergency Accommodation at some stage in the three months prior to the count, of which 19 individuals did not present. The rough sleeper count, while an important exercise in understanding the scope of homelessness on the streets of Dublin, 'does not encompass the entirety of the issue,' according to Dublin Simon Community. The Dublin Simon Outreach team engages with people who are sleeping rough 365 days a year. The team works around the clock to support those sleeping on the streets. Over the past four years, Dublin Simon Community has expanded its emergency accommodation capacity by 35pc in response to the growing demand and ongoing shortage of affordable housing. They say that while the growth has been 'necessary to meet the immediate need,' it is not a 'sustainable solution'. 'Long-term reliance on emergency accommodation highlights the urgent need for a coordinated governmental response, investment in preventative measures, fast-tracked building of social and affordable housing, and recognising the need for tailored health supports that directly meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness,' they said. Dublin Simon Community appealed to the public that if they see someone bedded down who may need support, their Outreach team is out on the streets of Dublin city and county 365 days of the year from 7 am – 1 am Monday – Friday and 9 am – 1 am Saturday – Sunday, and can be contacted via the Dublin Rough Sleeper app. These numbers do not include International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) clients since these individuals are under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth.
Morocco World
14-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
After Rocky Exit, Uber Signals Return to Morocco Through Marrakech
Doha – After a turbulent exit in 2018, Uber appears to be planning a return to the Moroccan market. The American ride-hailing giant recently posted a job listing for a country manager position based in Marrakech, signaling renewed interest in a market it once abandoned. The role description reveals Uber's ambition to make a fresh start in Morocco's tourism capital before expanding nationwide. The country manager will lead growth efforts in this key North African market, focusing primarily on driver acquisition and engagement through data-driven analytics and partnership programs. Uber's previous venture into Morocco began in mid-2015, first launching in Casablanca before expanding to Rabat. During its three-year operation, the platform attracted 12,000 drivers and 140,000 customers. Drivers earned between MAD 4,000 ($400) and MAD 6,000 ($600) monthly, approximately double Morocco's minimum wage at the time. While Uber never formally operated in the Red City, the company partnered with Moroccan authorities during the 2016 COP22 Climate Summit in Marrakech, providing transportation services that contributed to the event's success. Despite this initial success, Uber's presence ignited immediate fury. Just weeks after launching, the Wilaya of Casablanca declared the company's operations illegal, stating Uber hadn't obtained proper authorization for public transport services under Moroccan regulations. The company operated in legal limbo throughout its tenure. Authorities neither fully legalized its activities nor explicitly banned them. This ambiguous status left Uber vulnerable to opposition from traditional taxi drivers, who organized protests and sometimes harassed Uber drivers. Uber initially tried navigating this challenging landscape by engaging Public Affairs & Services (PASS), a lobbying firm led by Hatim Benjelloun. The company developed an extensive stakeholder mapping strategy targeting influential figures in government, business, and the royal court to gain support. Internal documents reveal Uber's strategy focused on reaching the highest levels of Moroccan power structures. The Ministry of Interior, represented by walis (governors) in each region, was identified as a critical player due to its control over transport licensing and concern for maintaining social order. Meryem Belqziz, who led Uber Morocco, struggled to establish productive relationships with authorities. In one internal communication, she noted 'the police is always on the side of taxis,' in a clear indication of the company's failure to secure official support. The situation deteriorated as taxi drivers organized increasingly aggressive protests. The 'Taxi Hawks of Casablanca' emerged, targeting Uber and Careem drivers through street confrontations and vehicle chases. By February 2018, Uber announced it was suspending operations, citing 'current regulatory uncertainty' that prevented delivering 'a safe and reliable experience.' Interestingly, Uber maintains an indirect presence in Morocco through Careem, its Middle Eastern competitor that it acquired in 2019. Careem continues operating in Morocco by partnering with local actors, including traditional taxis, while awaiting regulatory clarity. Ride-hailing sparks turf war chaos Morocco's ride-hailing battleground is heating up. Clashes between traditional taxis and rising platforms like inDrive and Yango reflect a deepening standoff, as old guard resistance collides with the unstoppable rise of digital mobility. A particularly alarming incident occurred in November 2024, when Casablanca taxi drivers attacked a Russian businessman and his wife who had used inDrive services. The couple sustained injuries when attempting to intervene in the dispute, prompting inDrive to condemn the attack as a 'serious violation of the law' while asserting its compliance with local regulations. Just weeks later, another dramatic episode unfolded near Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex. Authorities arrested three taxi drivers who dangerously pursued a ride-sharing vehicle through city streets. The chase, captured on video that circulated widely online, resulted in multiple damaged vehicles before culminating in a roadside confrontation. These clashes expose the deep-rooted inefficiencies plaguing Morocco's transportation system. Traditional taxis face widespread criticism for rigid pricing structures, selective service practices, and a problematic permit system that allows licenses to be inherited – creating an entrenched monopoly that prioritizes rent-seeking over customer service. Passengers frequently complain about long waiting times, with queues sometimes exceeding an hour in major cities like Casablanca, and harassment issues, particularly affecting women using public transportation. Morocco's Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit acknowledged in January that comprehensive research is underway to explore potential regulations for the sector. He stated, 'We must sit down and find a solution. We cannot continue like this,' recognizing that while ride-hailing services cannot be formally integrated yet, 'we also cannot pretend they do not exist.' The timing of Uber's potential return coincides with Morocco's preparations to host major international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The need for modern, efficient transportation options for millions of visitors creates new urgency for resolving the regulatory stalemate that previously drove Uber from the market. Uber Systems Morocco, established in December 2014, never formally dissolved despite the company's departure. A corporate restructuring in late 2021 installed Serge Dupont as the new administrator, potentially setting the stage for Uber's official reentry into a market where its ambitions were temporarily derailed but never completely abandoned. Read also: Taxis, Ride-Hailing Apps, E-Scooters, Highway Code: Morocco Revamps Transport Ahead of World Cup 2030 Tags: ride-share appTransportation in MoroccoUber Morocco
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How will AmeriCorps cuts affect Wisconsin students? Some see cuts, shutdowns ahead
A few weeks ago, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay junior Jasmine Puls was at her AmeriCorps job at the Girl Scout Reaching Out program, preparing for a trip to a local elementary school, when she got an email marked 'URGENT.' "Out of nowhere, we just got an email that we were being shut down, and that they tried to appeal it but that it was non-appealable, and that there was nothing they could do," Puls said. "We were literally given no warning." Seven staff members lost their jobs 'within 10 minutes,' including Puls. They weren't alone: Statewide, about 430 AmeriCorps workers found themselves out of work after the federal Department of Government Efficiency made cuts to their programs. Reaching Out focused on connecting students in underserved communities — often due to financial or language barriers — with outdoor education and life skills, according to assistant program and inclusion director Brittany Pyatt. Many other AmeriCorps programs offered similar services, providing students in need with tutoring and engagement services. On April 29, Wisconsin joined a multistate lawsuit alleging the AmeriCorps cuts will 'inflict immediate and irreparable harms' to people nationwide. With many of those cuts made to programs interwoven with the education system in Wisconsin, and the state budget for next year not yet set, it's not clear what the future holds for these programs. Programs for students both inside and outside the classroom are facing an uncertain future. Here's a look at a couple Wisconsin programs that will be affected: Volunteer tutoring program Schools of Hope, organized through United Way of Dane County, has existed for decades. It provides one-on-one and small group reading tutors to elementary students in need, among other tutoring sessions and support. In annual surveys, staff in Madison-area schools said they've seen student attendance and literacy rates increase through the program's work. This academic year, over 1,000 students worked with over 175 tutors. The program relies on AmeriCorps workers in every step of the process: 'tutor coordinators' bring in volunteers, train them, match them with students and evaluate them, UWDC president Renee Moe said. Or at least they did, until they found out that AmeriCorps funding had been abruptly cut. "Not only do you disrupt a program for kids to build their confidence, but if someone shows up for you regularly and you have that disrupted, there's a sense of loss there," Moe said. Another Dane County program, Partners for After School Success, is in a similar situation. PASS provided academic and social-emotional support to students in low-income communities. Now, unless the federal decision on AmeriCorps cuts is reversed, the PASS program will be essentially shut down. 'Without the program, providing these services — which are so critical and already under-resourced — just became more difficult,' Ariana Vruwink said in an email. Vruwink is the communications coordinator for the Dane County Department of Human Services. 'PASS alumni often go on to careers in education, youth work, and community service; the loss of this program will have a negative impact on the human service workforce in Dane County for years to come.' Reaching Out, the Girl Scout program, is trying to prepare its schools for what will come next. AmeriCorps members led 70 programs in 56 locations in northwestern Wisconsin, said Brittany Pyatt, assistant program and inclusion director for the Girl Scouts of the Northwest Great Lakes. In the Green Bay School District alone, the program served nine elementary schools. Schools of Hope is able to finish out this year through support from volunteers and the host schools, but next year directors will have to rework the program. The program worked, Moe said, and effective programs don't usually see such sudden, dramatic cuts. "To have a program that's very efficient and very effective in delivering the results that it's intended to achieve, to have that completely go away," Moe said, "It's just really unsettling." Contact Green Bay education reporter Nadia Scharf at nscharf@ or on X at @nadiaascharf. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: How will AmeriCorps cuts affect Wisconsin students?
