Classes suspended in Rafha and Al-Uwaiqilah and switched to remote learning due to bad weather
The General Directorate of Education in the Northern Borders region officially announced the suspension of in-person classes today, Monday, in all schools affiliated with the governorates of Rafha and Al-Uwaiqilah, based on reports received from the National Center for Meteorology, and out of concern for the safety of students, teachers, and administrative staff.
The administration clarified that the educational process will not be halted, but will instead be shifted to a distance learning system via the "My School" platform for general education levels and the "My Kindergarten" platform for kindergarten. This decision encompasses all schools in the two governorates and their affiliated centers and villages, where teachers will carry out their duties through virtual classrooms to ensure the continuation of the curriculum without interruption.
Coordination between education and meteorology to ensure safety
This proactive step is in accordance with the safety regulations adopted by the Ministry of Education, which grant education directors the authority to suspend in-person classes based on weather conditions and alerts from the National Center for Meteorology. These measures primarily aim to protect lives and property and to spare students and school staff the risks of commuting during severe weather fluctuations, whether heavy rain, strong winds causing dust storms, or harsh cold waves that could affect public health.
The nature of the climate of the northern borders and its impact
The Northern Borders region, which includes the governorates of Rafha and Al-Uwaiqilah, is characterized by a geographical and climatic nature that makes it susceptible to weather fluctuations, especially during the winter and spring seasons. The region often experiences a significant drop in temperatures, in addition to active surface winds that can reduce horizontal visibility. Therefore, monitoring weather reports in real time is crucial for making informed decisions that balance the continuation of daily life with ensuring public safety.
Digital transformation: Education never stops
This event highlights the transformative shift that the education sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone in recent years. Whereas previously suspending classes meant a complete halt to the educational process and the loss of valuable lessons, today it is simply a shift in the method of learning, thanks to a robust digital infrastructure. The “My School” platform is a leading national model that has proven its effectiveness globally, enabling the continuation of education under various circumstances. This reinforces the concept of “lifelong learning” and ensures that students’ academic achievement is not affected by unforeseen external factors.
The Education Department calls on parents to monitor their children’s accounts on the approved platforms and ensure their readiness to attend virtual classes at their scheduled times, stressing that the partnership between the family and the school is the cornerstone of the success of distance education in such exceptional circumstances.
