Laughter, tears (and some chaos): The kids are back in class

In-person teaching resumes in Saudi schools after 18 months of online education forced by COVID-19

It was a first day back at school like no other.

After 18 months of home education and online learning forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, children throughout the Kingdom returned to the classroom on Sunday.

There was laughter and tears — and not a little chaos.

Refal Amin, a Saudi mother of two teenage sons and a 10-yearold daughter, told Arab News it was difficult seeing her two boys head off to school while leaving their sister behind at home. Amin’s daughter must stay home to attend online learning, following instructions by the Saudi Education Ministry.

“My sons were initially hesitant to go, even though they’re both fully vaccinated. It was still unsettling for them to leave home, and it was a struggle getting them up and out of the house, which was nothing new,” she said.

But despite their outward display of hesitancy, the two boys were glad to see their friends at school again.

“We just had to pretend that we weren’t happy for our little sister and we decided to play the part of sad students,” said the eldest, Abdullah. “I know mom secretly sensed our glee to go back.”

Heidi Al-Majed, 39, a mother of two, said: “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for our family, but my daughter’s teachers have made her first day back a great one.”

Al-Majed’s three-year-old son tested positive for COVID-19 last week and the rest of the family soon followed suit, except for Ameera, 9.

“I gave a heads up to her supervisor that I had been infected but that thankfully Ameera hadn’t. But I did the right thing as they took responsibility to care for her throughout the day.”