Many UAE schools are set to welcome nearly 100% students in physical attendance starting next academic session from September. The development comes as students in 12-15 years age category have been approved for vaccination. 

Last week, UAE had approved Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children between age category 12 and 15 years. Furthermore, Gems Education also announced on Wednesday that students above 12 years can book for vaccination via its network of schools. A top official had said few days earlier that vaccination in children would allow a “gradual return” of students to schools in next session. School heads across the UAE have agreed to this.

“We’re hopeful of being able to cater to close to 100 per cent of our pupils’ strength in the coming academic term that begins in September after the summer vacation,” said Antony Koshy, principal, Global Indian International School, Dubai.

“Each positive development in the fight against Covid-19 is increasing the confidence among our pupils, parents and teachers. Our parents are grateful to the UAE authorities for the opportunity to get their children vaccinated,” said Elmarie Venter, chief operations and marketing officer, GEMS Education.

Last year schools had started welcoming students as the UAE had imposed strict precautionary measures for Covid-19. A gradual rise in students opting for in-person schools has also been witnessed. Experts believe that students attending physical schools are right on track towards normalization ahead of everyone. 

“We’re better informed and equipped to handle the pandemic after more than a year of the viral outbreak. Vaccination reduces risks and parents of vaccinated pupils are expected to show increased readiness to send their wards to the school,” said Koshy.

Schools have sent circulars to parents encouraging them to vaccinate their children in age group of 12-15 years. “The circular provides parents with clear guidelines regarding downloading the mobile application (app) and registration. The school already has in place a Covid-19 awareness programme for its pupils. We hope to remove any apprehensions that anyone might have in taking the Covid-19 jab,” he added. 

“Some parents are enthused to hear the news, and we’re encouraging them to follow the protocols of the UAE government and the authorities because the initiative is for the welfare of the society and community at large. We’re planning awareness sessions and meetings to educate parents to create public safety goals,” said Fathima Sherief, assessment coordinator, Gulf Model School, Dubai.

School authorities earlier had stressed on vaccinating all teaching and non-teaching staff. At present, around 60% students in the age group of 12 to 17 years are physically attending classes while following all Covid-19 protocols. Schools are working closely with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to ensure students and their immediate family members can easily get vaccinated.

Social interaction, building relationships, physical games and competitions are few crucial activities that the students have missed since the onset of pandemic last year. Some students have also missed first year of school while some have missed last. But school authorities have managed to spread good cheer and have put students’ physical, mental and emotional wellness as their priority.