RIYADH: Parents on Monday welcomed the Saudi government’s decision to close the Kingdom’s schools to help prevent the spread of the killer new coronavirus.
The Ministry of Education’s announcement to shut schools and universities until further notice was met with both praise and relief.
There have so far been only 15 reported cases of the virus in the Kingdom, but the country is taking all necessary precautions to contain the outbreak.
“It shows how prepared our country is in minimizing its spread amongst society. Schools are considered to be overpopulated in some areas, especially where children need extra efforts to monitor and supervise their hygienic behaviors,” said father-of-four Waleed.
“It is tough but also necessary to close schools for the good and wellbeing of people rather than having to resolve escalated crises,” he added.
While some parents feared their children could be distracted from their education while away from school, Waleed said: “My wife and I are making every effort to ensure things do not get out of control.
“It is not the summer holiday yet. Discipline and order will take place because soon they will go back to their schools and finish the year and get their grades.”
The ministry’s decision to launch online distance learning will be a new option for some parents to explore.
Waleed added: “My wife and I will make the atmosphere at home the same as if the school was still running (meals, sleeping time and activities). My children attend elementary level and all curriculums are available on the Ministry of Education’s website.”
Andres, who is from Austria but has lived in Saudi for two years, has a daughter, and said the biggest challenge for parents would be keeping kids engaged and focused during the suspension period. “Schools will start virtual classrooms and will follow the regular schedule. So, my daughter will need to be online as classes run from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily.”
However, parents were unsure whether to quarantine their children at home or continue to allow them to see friends.
Rotana Hadrawai said: “I am definitely in agreement with the suspension of schools during this time, not only for the safety of children but also to put our minds at ease. Every day we see the news, pictures, videos and rumors that have us frightened for our safety.”
Nouf Al-Ghabeen, whose daughter is in second grade, said: “If there is even a slight possibility that she might contract this virus, why would I put my child in harm’s way?” She added that her daughter’s time would be occupied with studies as normal and that weekends would be limited to “family visits only.”
Some parents of students in their senior year of high school who are preparing to enroll in universities were anxious about how the school closures would affect their grades and futures.
“My daughter didn’t do well in the first term, but she worked hard this one, yet these circumstances have her in a corner and she fears she will not be able to get the grades needed to enter a good university or her desired major of architecture,” said Nizar.
