Hanoi Department of Education and Training explains why it delayed the decision to close schools across the city

Due to the influence of storm No. 10, yesterday (September 30), Hanoi had heavy rain and widespread flooding. During the day, many schools announced that parents could pick up students early in the afternoon, but due to chaotic traffic and many deeply flooded roads, it took many hours for families to take their children home. In particular, when many families had difficulty picking up their children, some schools decided to let students eat and sleep at school or asked military vehicles to help them leave school to ensure safety. In fact, yesterday, many families were in a situation where they could not pick up their children, the parents stayed at home and the children had to sleep at school.

Faced with the disruptions to daily life, many people complained, even criticized the Hanoi Department of Education and Training for reacting slowly and passively, not having a timely plan for students to stop going to school in the whole city early on September 30.

Many families had difficulty picking up their children when the streets were flooded. Photo: TC

Explaining this, the leader of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training said that the decision to suspend school on a large scale needs to be carefully considered. Suddenly suspending school when many families are taking their children to school or the children have already arrived at class will make parents confused about finding someone to look after their children. "Yesterday, it rained heavily around 8:20 am while from 6 am to 8 am most parents had already taken their children to school," he said.

Not to mention, according to the leader of the Department of Education and Training, Hanoi has different areas, not all of which are affected by natural disasters. In some areas, classrooms are still dry, with enough conditions for teaching. "Therefore, not only this time but also in other storms, the Department has issued a document reminding schools to proactively plan or have a form of learning suitable to reality," he said.

The leader of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training said that if the city-wide holiday was suddenly announced when many students had already arrived at school, picking them up would be difficult for parents. Therefore, it would be more reasonable for schools to take the initiative in taking care of, keeping, or returning students. In fact, yesterday, many schools took the initiative to let students take the afternoon off.

The leader of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training also said that after working with the departments and agencies in charge of traffic and urban areas of Hanoi on the evening of September 30 and learning that there were still many flooded areas that might not be drained completely the next day, the Department decided to let students in the whole city take a day off on October 1 to ensure their safety.

Parents in Hanoi used buckets and basins to pick up their children from school on September 30:

According to a dispatch issued at noon on September 30, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training requested schools and educational institutions to regularly monitor weather forecasts to proactively prevent, respond to and overcome consequences.

Units need to review and prepare plans according to the "4 on-site" principle; check the tree system in the campus, promptly handle or warn of trees at risk of falling; move assets, equipment, and documents to a safe place.

At schools in the storm's center, especially those with boarding students, it is necessary to closely coordinate with parents and authorities to ensure absolute safety for students, and prepare enough drinking water, food, and provisions for their stay at school.

In case students cannot attend class due to flooding, educational institutions must proactively develop appropriate learning methods; at the same time, after storms, promptly clean and sanitize classrooms, ensure safety and prevent epidemics.

The Department also requires absolutely no extracurricular activities or group activities, especially in areas at risk of flooding and landslides. Establish a communication channel with parents to manage students when participating in local activities, minimizing risks caused by storms.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/so-gd-dt-ha-noi-ly-giai-vi-sao-cham-quyet-dinh-nghi-hoc-toan-thanh-pho-2447989.html