Education during conflict in the Middle East

With missiles and drones overhead, schools across the region are prioritising student safety and keeping learning going.

Following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February, the conflict has quickly escalated, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes on military targets right across the Gulf – the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and beyond.

This is already having a significant effect on education in the region. In the UAE, where there are approximately 250 international schools, the authorities moved all schools and higher education institutions to distance learning on 2nd March, with the government warning the period could be extended depending on developments.

Pandemic lessons learned

The lessons learned during the pandemic meant that many schools already have a remote learning contingency plan they can use, with devices provided for online learning to students who need them and parents kept informed of access details and helplines.

Schools are also focused on the emotional wellbeing of their student, staff and parent communities – both now and in the future. One consultant at an international school in Bahrain said that teachers are already wondering what the long-term impact of the conflict will be on recruitment, and whether some international educators may reconsider taking up employment in the region if the conflict drags on.

Exams on hold

The war’s effect has also seen India’s Central Board of Secondary Education pause all Class 10 and 12 board examinations across seven Middle Eastern countries, with new dates to be announced once the situation stabilises, says Gulf News. Not ideal for students taking important exams that will determine their future learning and careers.

All schools are united in their efforts to provide structure, security and a sense of normality for their students in such a stressful time. Let’s hope that the situation stabilises very soon.