JEDDAH, Feb 9(Arab News): All schools in the Kingdom, including Jeddah which was hit by floods on Jan. 26, will reopen on Saturday following the two weeks mid-year holiday, said the Ministry of Education.
However, despite claims that schools in Jeddah are ready to take students, many parents are apprehensive that flood-affected schools have actually been cleaned out to welcome students.
Some parents also said they are unsure whether to send their children to school, adding that they are concerned for their children’s safety.
“I’m not willing to send my children back to school next week. I might keep them away for another week as I’m worried that the building might be fragile or polluted,” said concerned mother Ibtisam Nomaan.
“I don’t care if the school fails my children. My main priority is ensuring they are healthy and alive. To be honest, I’m not sure if the school buildings are clean enough for students to attend school for eight hours a day without getting ill,” she added.
The renovation and repairs to a girls school in the Al-Hamra Street are still incomplete, said the school’s principal who asked for her name not to be published.
“Parents have been calling me asking if all the construction work, which was supposed to finish before the school reopens, has been completed. I usually ask them not to worry, but on this occasion I believe we need more time,” she said.
“We still need to work on the hygiene and make sure that the school is clean and spotless before we ask students to return,” she added.
Ahmed Al-Zahrani, head of the local education department, said 80 public and private schools were damaged in the floods. “All schools will be ready to welcome students for the next semester after the first semester final exams are held,” he said.
Only one school, located in the Al-Nakheel district, is completely damaged. The Ministry of Education is making arrangements to move students to nearby schools.
“We are moving the students to a nearby school because their school is completely damaged and we fear it might fall apart,” said Rajalla Al-Sulami, head of the Education Department for Boys in Jeddah.
“The Education Department is roaming schools to check on progress. I cannot say that the schools are ready today, but they will hopefully be ready by Friday,” he added.