Declaring school vacations during extreme weather may provide short-term relief, but it fails to address the long-term challenges within our education system. Instead of fixing root problems like poor infrastructure, lack of ventilation, overcrowded classrooms, and rigid academic calendars, we simply pause learning. This results in students losing momentum, teachers rushing to complete syllabi, and a system that limps along without real improvement. After the break, children struggle to recall concepts, and the academic pressure only increases. Such reactive measures ignore the real issue: decades of neglect and underinvestment in the education sector.
To move forward, we need sustainable and student-centred solutions. Schools must be redesigned to be climate-resilient, with proper insulation, ventilation, and safe spaces that protect children and staff during extreme conditions. Authorities must adopt flexible school timings, blended learning options, and better teacher training to adapt to disruptions without halting learning. Technological integration, like online classes or smart board/Apps lessons during closures, can also help maintain continuity. More importantly, student mental health and teacher workload must be considered in every decision. Only by addressing these core issues can we ensure that education remains uninterrupted, inclusive, and effective—no matter the weather.
Lastly, policymakers and education departments must treat climate impact on learning as a serious long-term concern, not a seasonal inconvenience. Budget allocations should prioritise upgrading school facilities, especially in vulnerable regions. Community involvement and awareness can also play a vital role in demanding and shaping a better response. It’s time we stop relying on temporary breaks and start building an education system that’s equipped for the future—resilient, flexible, and compassionate.
Ovais Yaseen Khan
kh*************@***il.com