Parents of students in Sharjah reported that private schools in the emirate have opted for distance learning on Monday due to heavy rainfall, aiming to facilitate students and families and avoid traffic congestion, especially during the onset of Ramadan.
Private school principals cited the decision as a response to the increasing accumulation of rainwater in various areas of Sharjah, which makes commuting to and from school challenging. This move also allows students ample time to prepare for their end-of-semester exams.
According to parents such as Mona Mahmoud, Amira Saeed, Muhammad Yassin, and Khaled Abdel Fattah, their children's schools informed them of the switch to distance learning due to the adverse weather conditions and rain accumulations across Sharjah. These conditions impede students' ease of travel to and from schools, prompting the schools to implement remote learning for the day. Families view this decision positively, especially considering the commencement of Ramadan, during which students prefer to be with their families, along with the need for adequate study time before the exams.
Director of Al-Ma’rifa International School, Samer Sarhan, noted significant rainwater accumulations near the school and bus routes, making it difficult for buses to reach the school easily. Consequently, the decision was made to conduct classes remotely and postpone Monday's scheduled exams by an additional day. The flexibility provided by the Sharjah Private Education Authority allowed schools to adapt their schedules accordingly, prioritizing the educational process and exam integrity.
Similarly, Ibrahim Baraka, director of the Al-Shuala Educational Foundation, mentioned that students were allowed to stay at home for remote studying on Monday due to the impending exams and rainwater accumulations obstructing school transportation. The school provided a structured review schedule for the end-of-semester exams through online platforms, ensuring that students were adequately prepared for the upcoming assessments.
Dr. Wafa Ayyoush, director of Al Nour International School, confirmed that while staff were present at the school to prepare for the semester exams scheduled for Wednesday, students were encouraged to engage in remote learning due to the rainy conditions. The school offered online support for students with inquiries and ensured that its facilities were ready for the exams. This proactive approach aims to mitigate any disruptions caused by the adverse weather conditions and maintain the academic integrity of the semester assessments.
