For a long time the Israeli Education Ministry’s refusal to translate its circulars into the Arabic language upset the large percentage of the Arab population in the country. Many parents constantly tried to pressure the authorities into rendering Arabic translation services for this important document that is distributed to all parents. They felt left out as language barrier limited their access to the information they needed to ensure their kids’ success in school. They could have looked for professional Arabic translation themselves, but that should not have been necessary. Finally after several requests the Education Ministry of Israel finally agreed to translate the documents into Arabic. With the help of professionals who carry out Arabic translation services the circulars can now be translated from Hebrew into Arabic to accommodate parents who speak only this language.
Up to now the circulars, which provide details on parental payment and school safety rules, were printed in Hebrew only. Starting from September the director general’s circulars will be translated into Arabic. This is good news because parents must be able to understand the material in order to guide their children where necessary. Therefore, professional translation for Arabic allows parents obtain all the information they will need to enroll their kids in schools. By accessing the information in their native language they can also learn of events and meetings. Usually parents who participate in school activities are more engaged in their children’s academic life, contributing to their success. Some parents are complaining that the decision goes for the new circulars that will be issued. They want the existing circulars to be translated into Arabic as well.
The same translators who offer Arabic translation services for the old issues can translate these documents because some parents believe that some information in the previous issues is still relevant to them. If they are not translated to Arabic those circulars will still be inaccessible to a high share of the Arab population in the area. They are wondering why authorities are not translating the older circulars that are in effect. Just because they do not speak Hebrew they shouldn’t be deprived of this useful information. Although some groups are excited that the new circulars will finally be available in the Arabic language, others still want the old circulars that detail regulations and busing to be translated as well. Either way, Arabic translation services will be in high demand as the education ministry has decided to provide a translated version of its circulars.
