Schools are ready to begin in-person classes

Almost 900 schools are ready to reopen for in-person classes in September in line with health regulations, a local newspaper reported.

All schools, kindergartens and universities were closed since March 12, 2020 over the growing concern of the spread of the COVID-19.

After a seven-month halt, all public schools began the 2020/2021 academic year online. Private schools have continued with the e-learning method since the start of the pandemic.

Yaseen Al Yaseen, Undersecretary of the Educational Facilities and Planning Sector at the Ministry of Education, said that they are working to complete all maintenance work before the start of the school year.

Though the government decided to reopen schools in March, the final announcement will be made in August whether to allow 100 per cent in person classes.

The education committee in the parliament is studying three scenarios for the upcoming education year: to return to 100 per cent in person classes; adopt hybrid model where 50 per cent is online and the rest is in person or to continue online classes depending on the situation.

As for teachers and those above the age of 16, the health ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has prioritised the specific segment especially since in person exams took place last month.