Islamabad: The rise in temperature took a toll on students in Pakistan on Thursday, with around seven children fainting during the day.
Pre-school and primary classes resumed across Pakistan from June 7 with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place as COVID-19 cases declined.
The temperature was recorded at 43 Celsius in Islamabad and Lahore. In other cities of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) too, it was between 43C and 46C.
In Islamabad’s schools under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) around seven children were given emergency first aid by their schools after they fainted.
Students of schools in Malpur, Bhara Kahu were most affected as power supply was interrupted and there were no adequate arrangements like cold water and proper ventilation in the classrooms.
In most of the 423 FDE schools of Islamabad, the students complained of a lack of adequate facilities to cope with power outages and the extremely hot weather conditions.
First time junior classes are being held in June
A teacher of an FDE school wishing not to be named said in the past Islamabad schools did not conduct classes in such conditions.
She said in the interests of the students and teachers, FDE should announce summer vacation before the situation turns worse.
Three children in my school fainted while two bled from the nose, she said. The schoolchildren were then taken to a nearby health facility for first aid.
After the incident, 200 schoolchildren were allowed to go home from the school due to absence of power.
FDE revises school timing
In view of sweltering conditions, the FDE has revised its early schedule for school timing, from six days a week, 8:00am - 1:30pm to four days a week (Monday to Thursday), 7:00am - 11:00am.
Students have also been advised to use a hat or umbrella to cover their heads while travelling to and from school, and keep themselves hydrated at all times, the notification said.
There will be no compromise on COVID-19 SOPs, the notification further says.
