UAE rains: Dubai’s KHDA, Sharjah urge flexible learning at schools

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has urged all private schools, universities, and nurseries to maintain flexible learning for students facing logistical challenges following the recent severe weather conditions across the UAE.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, the KHDA emphasised the importance of taking cautionary measures as educational institutions prepare to resume operations.

Similarly, in Sharjah, the local emergency, crisis, and disaster management team has extended the distance learning system for private schools as families of students and staff alike continue to recover from the deluge on April 16.

KHDA inspects schools

This decision aims to ensure the readiness of schools and surrounding areas to receive students and teaching staff after the unprecedented weather conditions that affected the UAE on April 16.

KHDA officials have been onsite at various schools to ensure readiness to receive students.

Our DG Aisha Miran & the KHDA team visited private schools & nurseries to assess their readiness to welcome students back on Monday. Huge thanks to all government teams & the education community for their efforts & dedication to providing a safe learning space for all students. pic.twitter.com/TZC7sr7Fp3

— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) April 19, 2024

The move underscores a commitment to public safety, particularly after the emirate declared a state of emergency to effectively manage the aftermath of the severe weather.

Record-breaking rainfall from late Monday through Tuesday night last week has left many neighborhoods in Dubai and Sharjah severely affected, with several roads still waterlogged and houses inundated.

Public transport services, such as the Dubai metro, continue to experience disruptions due to lingering impacts of the weather.

In response, schools and educational institutions swiftly transitioned to remote learning on April 16, following the directive by Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan for all private schools, nurseries, and universities to offer distance learning.

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