Students in the UAE will restart face-to-face education on April 20, more than six weeks after numerous weeks of online learning. The change comes after an increased tension in the region due to the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, which has led to precautionary measures in the education sector.
Safety Drills and Wellbeing Initiatives
The first week back will see students in Dubai engaged in age-related safety awareness exercises and guided activities that will help to reinforce emergency preparedness and enhance confidence.
Dr. Wafi Dawood Chief Executive Officer of the Strategic Development Sector at Knowledge and Human Development Authority, believes that these structured activities form a major component of the reopening strategy.
He said that the schools will be highly focused on safety education (along with emotional well-being) and that students and staff will be supported to adapt to the in-person learning settings. KHDA will go ahead to keep updating and providing operational guidance to the institutions as the situation unfolds.
Strict Compliance and Reopening Conditions
It has been stated by the education authorities that no institution will be permitted to resume learning on-site without a form of approval from KHDA. Before schools, early childhood centres and higher educational institutions can reopen, they need to satisfy a set of requirements that are comprehensive, such as:
- Identification of safe areas.
- Sanction of emergency response plans.
- Checks in facilities and safety sign-offs.
- Employee education about new procedures.
There will also be pre-opening inspections on some of the institutions and further monitoring will be done by field visits when classes resume.
