School closures in Asir: Distance learning implemented in 6 governorates
The Education Department in the Asir region announced this evening a decision to suspend in-person classes in Asir and switch to distance learning via the "My School" platform, effective Thursday, September 16, 1447 AH. This decision was made based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology and in the interest of the safety of students, teachers, and administrative staff due to the current rainy weather conditions in the region.
The provinces included in the decision to suspend studies in Asir
The administration clarified via its official account that the decision includes schools located within the "red alert" zone, which encompasses the city of Abha and the governorates of Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Tanomah, Al-Namas, and Balqarn. The administration emphasized that the educational process will continue as usual through virtual classrooms on the "My School" platform for all students in the affected schools, ensuring that academic achievement is not impacted by the emergency weather conditions.
Digital transformation: "My School" ensures the continuity of education without interruption
This measure underscores the success of the digital education infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, where the suspension of in-person classes no longer means a complete halt to the educational process, as was the case in previous decades. The Ministry of Education has made a significant leap forward by adopting the "My School" platform as a permanent strategic option, enabling education departments across the Kingdom to respond with remarkable flexibility to weather changes and emergencies. This transformation reflects the maturity of the Saudi experience in e-learning, which has become a regional model for ensuring the continuity of education under any circumstances.
The geographical nature of Asir and the priority of student safety
Decisions to suspend classes in mountainous regions like Asir are particularly important due to the area's rugged terrain. With heavy rainfall, the likelihood of flash floods and overflowing wadis increases, in addition to the reduced horizontal visibility caused by the dense fog for which the Asir highlands are known. Therefore, continuous coordination between the Ministry of Education, the National Center for Meteorology, and Civil Defense is crucial for proactive decision-making that prioritizes safety above all else, thus protecting the school community from the risks of traveling in such volatile weather conditions.
The relevant authorities urge parents and students to adhere to the Civil Defense directives, stay away from flood channels and valleys during this period, and follow official channels to obtain updates on the weather and the regularity of studies.
