In-person classes suspended in Jazan and Asir and switched to remote learning

The education departments and universities in the Jazan and Asir regions announced the suspension of in-person classes on Monday, and the conversion of the educational process to a "remote" system, in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology that warned of unstable weather conditions and heavy rainfall that may affect the safety of male and female students.

Education procedures in the Jazan region

The General Directorate of Education in the Jazan region confirmed the suspension of in-person classes in all schools and affiliated education offices within the region. The Directorate explained that this decision was made to ensure everyone's safety, noting that the school day will continue virtually via the "My School" platform for students, teachers, and administrative staff. Simultaneously, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation announced the suspension of in-person training at all its facilities in the Jazan region, including private training institutes, while continuing remote training to ensure the continuity of the training program.

Suspension of studies in Asir and King Khalid University

In the Asir region, the decision to suspend in-person classes was widespread. The Asir Education Department announced the shift to the "My School" platform for schools in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al Majardah, Bariq, Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, and Sarat Abidah, in addition to Dhahran Al Janoub and Al Birk. Higher education institutions also responded to the weather conditions. King Khalid University announced the suspension of in-person classes at its main campus and all its branches in the governorates, while activating the "Blackboard" system to continue lectures. Similarly, Bisha University made a similar decision for its colleges in the Al Namas and Balqarn governorates.

Digital infrastructure and the continuity of education

This rapid response to weather conditions highlights the success of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in building a solid digital infrastructure for the education sector, which is one of the gains of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Suspending attendance at schools no longer means stopping education as it did in past decades, but rather the shift to digital platforms such as “My School” and “Blackboard” has become a strategic option that ensures the continuity of academic achievement without interruption, reflecting the flexibility of the education system and its ability to adapt to crises and emergencies.

Geography and the safety of lives come first

These decisions are particularly important in southern regions like Asir and Jazan, given their mountainous terrain and numerous valleys and ravines. During heavy rainfall, flash floods can form rapidly, posing a significant threat to school buses and students. Therefore, the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities are implementing a "safety first" policy, relying on the National Center for Meteorology's advanced early warning system to ensure the protection of lives and property and safeguard the school community from any potential hazards.