The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee has approved in-person learning for the next academic year, 2021 to 2022.
With around 80% of the school staff vaccinated including teachers, maintenance staff and security as well as with consultation from parents and teachers, the decision to resume classes was made.
Over 117,000 parents across private, public and charter schools participated in a survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
88% of parents stated that it was more beneficial for their child’s education to return to in-person classes with 70% of students expected to return to in-person learning.
Children aged 12 and above are currently eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to offer a boost to their immunity against the virus. A bridge study for children aged 3 to 17 is being held to test the Sinopharm vaccine's efficacy.
Protocols for the reopening of school will be announced on 15 August with schools and ADEK coordinating to ensure that students from all levels will be able to begin at the start of the academic year.
Parents that would like to continue with remote learning can continue if offered by the school.
Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Chairwoman of ADEK said, “The pandemic has tested the resolve of teachers, parents, and school staff, our unsung heroes, who came together and have gone to incredible lengths to ensure that our children receive the best education possible during these challenging times. We are grateful to the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for ensuring that planning for the 2021/2022 academic year was inclusive of all stakeholders. While we believe that remote learning is not a perfect substitute for physical learning, we must ensure that everyone is comfortable to return to in-school instruction as much as possible.”