School hours slashed amid sweltering heat
Schoolchildren were seen carrying umbrellas in the federal capital to protect themselves against sizzling heat. PHOTO: ONLINE
In response to the intense heatwave, school hours across Punjab will be reduced to protect pupils from the risk of heatstroke.
This decision was announced in two separate notifications addressing holiday schedules and modified school timings.
The notification stated that new school timings will come into effect from today and last till the end of this month.
According to the first notification, government schools throughout the province will observe summer break from June 1 to August 14, resuming operations on August 15. Schools have been instructed to assign summer vacation homework to students before May 27.
The second notification specifies that due to the extreme heat, school hours from May 18 through May 31 will be adjusted. During this period, all government and private schools will operate from 7.30am to 11.30am. On Fridays, the working hours will be shortened to 7.30amto 10.30am.
Education Minister Sikandar Hayat stated that the decision to adjust school timings and summer vacations was driven by the severe summer conditions. He highlighted that in the previous year, the summer vacation period was from June 7 until August 14. The minister emphasised that all school classrooms must be equipped with functional fans and access to cold water. Additionally, all outdoor sports and activities have been banned to ensure the safety of students during the heatwave.
“These measures aim to mitigate the impact of the scorching heat on students and school staff, ensuring a safer and more comfortable learning environment during this period.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2024.