UAE Parents Worry About Learning Loss Due to Extended School Closures

Parents in the United Arab Emirates have expressed growing concern about the impact of extended school holidays on their children's education, as severe weather disruptions have led to prolonged closures and a shift to remote learning. The UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, causing widespread flooding and damage that has kept students out of classrooms for an extended period.

The heavy thunderstorms and flooding have resulted in significant disruptions across the country, with at least three people killed and over 1,000 flights canceled at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel. Schools have been closed for nearly a month, with only one day of in-person classes in between, leaving parents worried about the potential learning loss and increased pressure on students and teachers to complete the syllabus in a reduced time frame.

Why this matters: The extended school closures in the UAE highlight the broader challenges that education systems face in adapting to unexpected disruptions and ensuring academic continuity. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, it is vital for schools and governments to develop comprehensive plans to minimize learning loss and support students and teachers during such crises.

While parents acknowledge the importance of safety, they emphasize the need for academic continuity to ensure optimal learning outcomes. "Students in international curriculum schools have been out of school for nearly a month, with only one day of in-person classes in between," a concerned parent noted. They also highlight the challenges of managing their children's activities and the stress it places on teachers to catch up on the syllabus.

In response to the situation, Dubai's Crown Prince has directed government entities to develop a comprehensive plan to improve preparedness for dealing with unexpected weather conditions. The Dubai government has extended remote work for employees, and private schools have continued with distance learning to ensure safety.

Climatologists have suggested that global warming likely worsened the storms, which were the highest rainfall since records began in 1949. The lack of home insurance coverage for such force majeure events and the need to address the climate crisis and phase out fossil fuels have also been brought to the forefront, as these extreme weather events are becoming the new norm in the region.

As the UAE continues to grapple with the aftermath of the historic storms, school maintenance and support staff have been working tirelessly to repair the damage and prepare the schools for the safe return of students and teachers. School leaders have praised the professionalism, commitment, and resilience of these unsung heroes, who have gone above and beyond to protect the school buildings and ensure a safe learning environment for the students.

Key Takeaways

• UAE parents concerned about impact of prolonged school closures on children's education
• Severe weather disruptions led to extended school closures and shift to remote learning
• Extreme weather events highlight need for comprehensive plans to minimize learning loss
• Dubai government working to improve preparedness for unexpected weather conditions
• School support staff praised for their efforts to repair damage and ensure safe return