Educational circles await resolution on schooling for the new academic year, with expectations leaning towards in-person education

Alaa Khalifa: Educational circles are awaiting with anticipation the final decision on the nature of the new academic year, whether it will adopt full “in-person” education within schools or resort to “distance learning” (online). An educational source confirmed to Al-Anbaa that, although no official statement has been issued so far, field data and the Ministry of Education’s movements strongly point toward a preference for “in-person” study. The source stated that the prevailing expectations in the educational field for a return to classrooms are based on a series of proactive steps recently taken by the ministry, including: preparing school buildings through classroom maintenance and equipping them with necessary logistical and technical supplies; developing distribution plans, organizing class schedules, and allocating teaching and administrative staff to schools; printing curricula and delivering textbooks, completing the printing of school books, and coordinating direct distribution mechanisms to students on the first day of school. On their part, many parents and education stakeholders expressed hope that the decision will stabilize on in-person education, emphasizing that students’ direct presence in the school environment enhances the quality of academic achievement and supports social and interactive skills that students lacked during periods of electronic learning. Conversely, informed sources told Al-Anbaa that the ministry places the safety of students and teaching staff at the top of its priorities, with contingency plans ready to allow a smooth transition to the “online” option if any developments require it.