Web Report

A majority of private schools in Dubai have expressed their readiness to re-open school campuses in September, following the summer holidays, said heads of various private school groups in Dubai.

Since the outbreak, schools and universities in the UAE have been closed since March 8. In a matter of weeks, schools successfully adjusted to e-learning. Globally, since mid-May, China, Japan, Taiwan, and 22 European countries, including Norway and Denmark, have welcomed students back into school campuses by following strict social distancing norms.

A recently formed Education Business Group, which represents 100 private schools in Dubai, is hoping for eased regulations, operational flexibilities and financial support to help schools survive a post-pandemic world.

Though an official re-opening date is yet to be announced by the UAE Ministry of Education and the private school regulators of various Emirates, heads of schools have said it is a ‘socially and economically imperative for the UAE’ to re-open school campuses.

Schools have already begun devising safety protocols that keep the health and safety of children at paramount importance said members of the Education Business Group during a virtual press meet on June 4.

Medical professionals, however, said even though studies have said the incidence of Covid-19 among children in the pediatric age group is low, it is difficult to estimate kids’ role in transmitting the virus.

Dr Jobby Jacob, a specialist paediatrician Prime Medical Centre, Barsha said, “Re-opening schools depend on four factors – the infection rate across the community at that time, capacity of the healthcare system, the education system infrastructure, and the cultural values of the community. Schools need to take these factors into consideration.”

Williamson said the UAE is in a very advantageous position for re-opening in September as it can watch and learn re-opening and safety methodologies adopted by other countries, including the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

“The UAE has taken rapid and swift decisions and transformed our schools in a week by adopting digital learning. Now, we are ready to transform back into the new norm,” said Williamson.
Difficult to estimate kids’ role in transmitting virus: Doctors

Dr Jacob said, in the initial stages, it would be better to keep the school open for primary and pre-primary students.

“Fortunately, evidence from China and USA shows a low incidence of infection among children in the paediatric age group. In schools, it is not just students who are under risk. There are staff, teachers, and the overall community.” He said as it is difficult to estimate the kids’ role in transmitting the virus, older teachers and school leaders might face higher risks.

Social distancing would be paramount in school campuses. Parents have to educate children, depending on their level of understanding. Mode of transportation, such as school buses, should be well sanitised and there must be enough space between them. Classrooms must have lesser students as well.