(Main Photo Credit: WAM)
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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that the UAE looks forward to starting a safe school year and welcoming over a million students on August 30.
In a report by Khaleej Times, Sheikh Mohammed has met with ministers on August 25 to tackle the new academic year.
“The UAE is well aware of the importance of smart learning as it invested earlier in the digital infrastructure. Distance learning will be an integral part of the education system. This is the future,” he said.
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He also assured that they have provided a safe and secure education environment, which was “joint responsibility” between the school and students’ guardians.
In addition, Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, stressed that schools have set up safety protocols to upkeep the wellbeing of students and teachers—including implementation of social distancing rules and wearing of face masks.
“Many scenarios were drafted based on available information on the overall health situation around the country and its effect on the education system. After extensive talks and consultations with the relevant authorities, the ministry decided to implement a hybrid model of learning,” he said.
The ministry has also conducted a “simulation of children’s attendance” to determine future problems and therefore improve the setting. Universities and colleges will also conduct a combination of in-person and virtual classes.
Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, added that the physical attendance of students will be gradually staggered. Only 25 percent will do in-person classes at the start of the year, which will then increase to 50 percent, up to 75 percent, and then finally, a full return.
Minister of State for Public Education Jameela bint Salem Mesbeh Al Muhairi said that “several operational models” were also developed to help schools pick the best options that suit them—whether it be full attendance, part-time in-person learning, daily and weekly shifts, and blended learning.
Contributed by Shilpi Kakani
