EDUCATION IN HEAT

FE P. CUSTODIO

As our country experiences summer and El Niño starts in the month of April, the Department of Education has received reports and issues concerning the welfare of the learners. One important factor of quality education is to have a conducive learning environment for the learners and the temperature inside the four corners of the room has an impact on the retentiveness and focus of the student. Heat can also affect physical health, leading to dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Additionally, inadequate cooling systems in schools can exacerbate these issues, creating an environment that is not conducive to learning. Despite these challenges, the Department of Education together with Local government units and the stakeholders of the school has decided to make some adjustments so that the learners can cope with the high heat index that serves as a hindrance in obtaining a quality education. Some of the suggestions were as follows; the first one is to have a shortened period with the schedule of the learners to prevent them from staying in the school until lunchtime when they can experience exhaustion from the hot temperature. Some other schools have opted for other alternative modalities such as modular and alternate schedules of face-to-face. School administrations have also advised students on how to cope with the summer heat like staying hydrated, they will be given time to drink water during the interval of their classes. They can also wear some breathable, lightcolored clothing to help students stay comfortable in hot weather. Schools may also relax dress codes to accommodate the climate, allowing students to dress in attire that helps them cope with the heat. Students use fans, cold packs, and cooling towels to lower their body temperature and create a more comfortable study environment. While students develop personal strategies to cope with studying in hot climates, there is a broader need for systemic changes to address the underlying issues. Schools and educational institutions must prioritize the well-being of students by implementing measures to mitigate the impact of heat on learning environments. This includes investing in proper cooling systems, designing buildings with energy-efficient features, and incorporating climate resilience into educational policies.

-oOoDona Asuncion Lee Integrated School