The decision by Indian schools in Oman to reopen on July 12 has generated widespread discussion among parents, educators, and students.
Given that this date falls during one of the hottest periods of the year, many are questioning whether reopening at this time adequately prioritises children’s health, safety, and well-being.
Currently, daytime temperatures in Oman frequently exceed 44°C, creating conditions that pose significant health risks. According to medical evidence, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, fatigue, impaired concentration, and, in severe cases, heatstroke.
Moreover, children are especially vulnerable because they regulate body temperature less efficiently and often depend on adults to recognise early signs of heat-related illness.
Although classrooms are air-conditioned, students remain exposed to extreme temperatures while commuting, waiting for school buses, and during arrival and dismissal. Even brief outdoor exposure can adversely affect children’s health, particularly when accompanied by high humidity and inadequate hydration.
Furthermore, research has consistently shown that excessive heat can negatively affect learning by reducing attention span, concentration, and cognitive performance. Therefore, environmental conditions should be considered alongside academic objectives when determining school calendars, especially in regions that routinely experience extreme summer temperatures.
Importantly, the Government of Oman has long recognised the dangers of extreme heat by implementing protective measures across various sectors. Similarly, many parents believe that educational institutions should adopt the same preventive approach when children’s health is at stake.
At the same time, this discussion is not about disrupting education but about achieving a sensible balance between academic continuity and student welfare.
For this reason, parents and educators have called for greater transparency regarding the rationale behind the selected reopening date and have emphasised the importance of meaningful consultation with stakeholders before making decisions that directly affect children.
In addition, many families respectfully urge school management to reconsider or reinstate the academic calendar followed in previous years, when schools resumed after the peak summer heat. Likewise, several schools across other GCC countries have traditionally scheduled reopening dates later in the season, thereby minimising unnecessary exposure to extreme temperatures while maintaining educational standards.
Ultimately, as climate change continues to intensify heatwaves across the region, educational institutions may need to adopt more climate-responsive policies.
By considering scientific evidence, parental concerns, previous years’ successful decisions, and the practices followed by other GCC schools, school management has an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to student safety.
The true measure of an educational institution lies not only in academic excellence but also in its unwavering commitment to protecting the health and well-being of every child entrusted to its care.
Dr Saji Uthuppan
The writer is a Lecturer of English
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