Heatwave impact

The sudden surge in the climate has stopped children from going to schools (“School’s out: Climate change keeps Pakistan students home”, Gulf Today website, June 6.) The students who are affected the most are of lower income groups and those who does not have access to online learning, which builds a gap between students who have access to resources and those who do not. But how long can we stop the education? When schools shut down, their access to education stops completely.

Instead of closing schools, the government must plan effectively. The management of all schools must reduce the hours or can start early by an hour. Evening classes can also be kept for students who find it difficult to come for early morning classes. Introducing a flexible school timing is a better measure than the closure of schools. Another step can be to avoid school assemblies and to install water facilities at all parts of the campus which ensures that the students are hydrated.

Heatwaves shouldn’t be a reason for students to fall behind in studies. Better planning can help students to find a comfortable learning space.

Umm Ul Khulsum

Sharjah