The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) announced Tuesday night that administrative and teaching staff in the emirate’s private schools and nurseries will resume in-person attendance starting Wednesday, April 15. This directive comes as part of a broader decision by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, aiming to ensure the readiness of educational institutions. A key focus of this early return is to facilitate comprehensive training for staff on essential emergency and crisis protocols, laying the groundwork for a secure educational environment before students return.
Furthermore, SPEA confirmed the phased reopening of several nurseries, with some scheduled to welcome children from Thursday, April 16. This initial phase specifically targets nurseries situated within government facilities and commercial buildings across Sharjah. A crucial prerequisite for these nurseries to reopen is the successful completion of mandatory training for their administrative and teaching personnel in emergency and crisis management. This stringent condition underscores the authority’s commitment to guaranteeing that children return to a fundamentally safe and supportive learning environment.
Sources from Gulf News indicated that educational institutions had already received circulars from SPEA earlier in the day, ensuring that staff were well-informed about these impending changes, making the late-night social media announcements a confirmation rather than an abrupt directive. This move by Sharjah follows closely on the heels of similar announcements from other emirates, most notably the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. KHDA also outlined a gradual return for private early childhood centers from April 16, prioritizing those in government and commercial premises, while others could continue home-based services.
Both Sharjah and Dubai’s initiatives highlight a coordinated regional effort to meticulously plan and execute a return to on-site learning, with an unwavering emphasis on safety. The requirement for comprehensive staff training in emergency and crisis protocols before any reopening signifies a cautious, health-first approach. While a full return for all students may still be some time away, these initial steps for staff and select nurseries represent a significant stride towards re-establishing the physical infrastructure and preparedness needed for a safe educational future. The authorities are prioritizing a secure foundation for children’s well-being above all else.
