In-person classes suspended in Qassim for the third day in a row
The Qassim Education Department, in coordination with Qassim University, announced the suspension of in-person classes in Qassim and their transition to distance learning via the "My School" platform and other approved electronic systems. This decision, which will remain in effect for the third consecutive day, was made on Tuesday, based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology and in the interest of the safety of students, faculty, and administrative staff amidst the ongoing weather fluctuations in the region.
Reasons for suspending in-person classes in Qassim and weather reports
The Qassim region and several other areas in Saudi Arabia are experiencing unstable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and reduced horizontal visibility. Based on these conditions, the National Center for Meteorology issued advanced warnings advising against travel during peak weather periods. In response to these warnings, educational authorities promptly suspended in-person classes to ensure the safety of education personnel and staff on the roads and within educational facilities.
Digital infrastructure and a smooth transition to distance learning
The success in making such swift and proactive decisions stems from the robust digital infrastructure that Saudi Arabia possesses in the education sector. Since the widespread adoption of the “Madrasati” platform and advanced educational systems like “Blackboard” in universities, the transition from in-person to virtual learning has been remarkably smooth and without any negative impact on the educational process or student achievement. This advanced model represents a cumulative technological legacy that reflects the preparedness of Saudi educational institutions to handle various exceptional circumstances and climate emergencies.
Local impact and joint efforts to ensure everyone's safety
The impact of this decision extends beyond education, easing traffic congestion on the Qassim region's road network during rainy weather. This allows security agencies, civil defense, and municipalities to manage water accumulation and the effects of rainfall more efficiently. The immediate and collaborative coordination between the Ministry of Education, the National Center for Meteorology, and Civil Defense serves as a model for regional and international crisis management and proactive prevention, underscoring that human safety remains the Kingdom's top priority.
