Education: In-person classes will be held during Ramadan; distance learning is not an option
The Ministry of Education has put an end to the recurring debate that arises annually as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, categorically denying the rumors circulating on social media platforms regarding a shift to distance learning during Ramadan. The Ministry affirmed that in-person classes will continue in all public schools for boys and girls, according to the approved curricula and regulations, emphasizing that school discipline is a fundamental pillar that cannot be compromised.
Context of the annual debate and the return to normal life
This decisive announcement comes at a time when the annual public debate about how to study during Ramadan is renewed, especially after the experience of distance learning imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, which led some to believe the experience could be repeated to ease the burden during fasting hours. However, the Ministry of Education's current strategic direction focuses on a full return to normal life and enhancing the interactive learning environment within classrooms, considering school the ideal place for character building and acquiring knowledge, and Ramadan a month for work and diligence, not for laziness or inactivity.
The importance of discipline and its impact on learning outcomes
The Ministry emphasized in its directives that the holy month of Ramadan presents a valuable educational opportunity to instill values of commitment and diligence in students, which will positively impact learning outcomes and the quality of academic achievement. It explained that regular attendance during Ramadan contributes to solidifying the concepts of hard work and developing a sense of national and religious responsibility, as respecting time and adhering to official working hours are integral parts of the Islamic and national identity that the educational system seeks to reinforce in the younger generation.
Strict measures to monitor absences
As part of its implementation plans, the Ministry mandated that all schools strictly adhere to educational priorities by fully and systematically implementing curricula, classes, and operational schedules, warning against any reductions that would disrupt the educational process. School administrations were also instructed to:
- Activating programs that encourage commitment and school discipline.
- Monitoring and tracking absences accurately and applying the relevant regulations.
- Strengthening direct communication channels with families to motivate students and ensure their regular attendance.
Partnership between family and school
The ministry called on parents to play their pivotal role in supporting this approach, emphasizing that the success of the educational process depends largely on the integration between home and school. It urged families to monitor their children's learning, regulate their sleep schedules to suit the holy month, and avoid being misled by false information and rumors intended to promote laxity, stressing the importance of obtaining information only from official sources.
The ministry concluded by affirming that school discipline during Ramadan reflects a civilized image of the educational community and promotes national and Islamic values, stressing the adoption of a guiding plan to enhance discipline that focuses on activating student activities that raise the attractiveness of the school environment and enhance the efficiency of education during the holy month.
