41% of Kindergarten Teachers in Bahrain Earn Less Than BD150 Per Month

Kindergarten classrooms are where children first learn language, social behavior, and discipline, yet the teachers guiding them often face significant financial and professional challenges. In addition to educating, kindergarten teachers provide care, guidance, and emotional support, spending long hours with young children who require patience and constant attention. Despite the critical nature of their work, many teachers continue to endure difficult working and living conditions.

Data from the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions indicates that more than 41% of kindergarten teachers earn less than BD150 per month, even though roughly 60% hold a professional diploma in early childhood education. This disparity highlights a stark gap between teachers’ qualifications and responsibilities, and the financial compensation they receive. The sector is predominantly managed by private institutions and lacks a legally binding minimum wage, leaving teachers vulnerable to low pay and unstable employment conditions.

Challenges extend beyond low salaries. Teachers report seasonal contracts, unpaid periods during school holidays, and employment practices that undermine job security and affect mental well-being. While government wage support programs exist, they do not reach all teachers and are not considered a comprehensive solution. MPs have repeatedly advocated for legislation to set fair minimum wages, guarantee job continuity, and provide social insurance to address these persistent issues.

This report explores the salaries of kindergarten teachers from legal, regulatory, union, and human perspectives, combining official data with field accounts to shed light on the daily realities of educators who play a foundational role in shaping Bahrain’s future generations while facing ongoing financial uncertainty.