Coronavirus: Sharjah parents hail two-week extension of e-learning

Sharjah - Working mums, however, are finding it difficult to juggle their jobs with kids' online classes.

Parents in Sharjah have hailed the two-week extension of distance learning in the emirate, saying the decision would help keep their children safe from Covid-19. Working mothers, however, are hoping for some flexibility in their job schedules so they could attend to their kids at home.
The Sharjah Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team and the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) have announced that 100 per cent e-learning will be extended from September 13 to 24 for all grade levels in private schools across the emirate.
For the first two weeks of the new academic year, all Sharjah students attended their classes from home. The initial plan was to implement remote learning only until September 10. The decision to extend these virtual classes further comes as part of the government's efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Students' health and safety are the top priority of the SPEA, an official at the authority has said. "Parents need to understand that the current situation is serious and their cooperation with the authorities is important to overcome the pandemic."
Mothers lauded the e-learning move, however, those who have full-time jobs are finding it difficult to juggle work with their kids' online classes.
Rabha Ahmed Salim said her children did well in distance learning when stay-home protocols were in place because she could supervise them as she was working from home, too. Now that she has to go to the office, the situation has become challenging, she said.
Maha Nimer, another parent, said: "If employers would allow us to work remotely, we might be able to handle the situation. But leaving children at home to depend on themselves to attend the online class would not be possible for all working women."
If the work dilemma is put aside, parents are all for keeping the children at home. Shaneela Khan, another mother, said: "My children's health is a top priority for me. If the cases continue to increase, I will not send my children to school even if they have to lose this academic year. I would like to thank the Sharjah authorities for extending distance learning for another two weeks."
Resident Priya K also praised the move, saying it is a crucial action that can protect not only the children but all other members of the community.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com 

• Sharjah