Two years after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the global education sector has made remarkable strides in addressing the challenges posed by the crisis. The pandemic disrupted education systems worldwide, forcing millions of children out of classrooms and into relative isolation. The experience exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities. Reversing the impact on a generation of children has not been easy.
As we reflect on progress, the road to recovery has been uneven, with significant disparities between high-income and low-income countries. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing tailored strategies that can effectively support all pupils, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
In high-income countries, the availability of resources has played a critical role in the recovery process. These nations have been able to invest heavily in catch-up programmes, digital infrastructure and other initiatives designed to mitigate the impact of school closures. Many schools in these countries quickly transitioned to online learning, leveraging their existing digital infrastructure to maintain continuity in education. This rapid adaptation was possible because of the higher levels of connectivity and access to technology that are typical in wealthier nations.
In contrast, low and middle-income countries have faced far greater challenges in mobilising resources for education recovery. Many of these nations struggled to provide even the most basic remote learning options during the pandemic. The digital divide between rich and poor countries became starkly apparent as schools in low-income regions lacked the necessary technology and infrastructure to support online education. As a result, pupils in these areas experienced more severe learning losses, with some missing out on education entirely during extended periods of school closures.
The extent of these learning losses also varied significantly within countries, often reflecting pre-existing inequalities. In the US, for instance, pupils in majority-black schools fell behind by half a year in mathematics and reading, while their peers in majority-white schools were only two months behind. This gap highlights how the pandemic disproportionately affected historically vulnerable and marginalised pupils, further entrenching educational inequalities that have long existed.
The policy focus in response to these challenges has also differed markedly between high-income and low-income countries. In wealthier nations, there has been a strong emphasis on digitalisation and addressing specific learning gaps. Governments and education providers in these countries have prioritised integrating digital technologies into their education systems, not just as a temporary solution but as a long-term strategy for enhancing learning outcomes. There has also been a push towards reimagining education, focusing on innovation and adaptation to new realities brought about by the pandemic.
Conversely, low and middle-income countries have had to prioritise more immediate and fundamental concerns. The focus in these regions has been on addressing broader educational inequalities and improving basic infrastructure. For many of these countries, the pandemic underscored the need to strengthen the foundational aspects of their education systems, such as ensuring access to quality education for all children, improving teachers' professional development, and providing essential learning materials. These efforts are crucial for closing the learning gaps that have widened during the pandemic and for preventing further disparities from emerging.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the education sector's response to the pandemic has been the resilience and creativity shown by educators and students alike
Equity remains a central concern across all nations, but the challenges are more pronounced in low-income countries. In these regions, educational inequalities are often exacerbated by limited access to resources and opportunities. Higher education tends to amplify existing socioeconomic disparities, as pupils from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to have the means to pursue advanced studies, while those from poorer backgrounds face significant barriers. Addressing these inequalities requires not only focused interventions but also a commitment to ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.
As we look to the future, it is essential to recognise that the global response to educational challenges must be tailored to the specific contexts and needs of different regions. High-income countries can use their resources and technological advancements to drive innovation and reimagine their education systems for a post-pandemic world. Meanwhile, low and middle-income countries must focus on strengthening the foundational aspects of their education systems to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their background, can succeed.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the education sector's response to the pandemic has been the resilience and creativity shown by educators and pupils alike. In both high-income and low-income countries, teachers have adapted to new ways of teaching, often under challenging circumstances. They have found innovative solutions to keep pupils engaged and motivated, whether through online platforms, community-based learning initiatives, or other means. This adaptability and determination are key to overcoming the challenges that remain.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of well-being in education. Schools have recognised that supporting pupils' mental health and emotional well-being is as crucial as addressing academic gaps. In many cases, educators have gone above and beyond to create safe and supportive environments where pupils can recover not just academically but also socially and emotionally. This holistic approach to education is vital for helping pupils build resilience and regain confidence as they navigate the ongoing uncertainties of the pandemic era.
While significant progress has been made, the journey towards full recovery is still by no means complete. The pandemic has forced us to rethink what education means and how it should be delivered. It has highlighted the need for greater equity, not just within countries but around the globe. As we continue to rebuild, it is imperative that we learn from the experiences of the past two years and use them to create more inclusive, resilient and adaptable education systems.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call, alerting us to how crucial education is – not only for academic development but also for the overall well-being and resilience of pupils. Schools are more than places of learning; they are communities that provide children with the resources to deal with the complexities of life. The crisis has reminded us of the preciousness of life and the essential role education plays in shaping the future. Our schools must continue to focus on nurturing every aspect of a child's development, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals who can face challenges with confidence and compassion.
While the pandemic presented the education sector with unprecedented challenges, it also underscored the vital importance of schools in fostering resilience and well-being. By addressing disparities, prioritising equity, and embracing a holistic approach to education, we can ensure that every child is equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. As we move forward, let us commit to making education a force for good, empowering future generations to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company%C2%A0profile
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
The five pillars of Islam
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2
Arsenal: Aubameyang (13')
Chelsea: Jorginho (83'), Abraham (87')
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinFlx%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amr%20Yussif%20(co-founder%20and%20CEO)%2C%20Mattieu%20Capelle%20(co-founder%20and%20CTO)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%20in%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.5m%20pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Venture%20capital%20-%20Y%20Combinator%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20Dubai%20Future%20District%20Fund%2C%20Fox%20Ventures%2C%20Vector%20Fintech.%20Also%20a%20number%20of%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
SPEC SHEET
Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz
Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core
Memory: 8/12GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
Platform: Android 12
Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps
Front camera: 40MP f/2.2
Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
I/O: USB-C
SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano
Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red
Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
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HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (11.30pm)
Saturday Freiburg v Borussia Monchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Dortmund, Cologne v Wolfsburg, Arminia Bielefeld v Mainz (6.30pm) Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig (9.30pm)
Sunday Werder Bremen v Stuttgart (6.30pm), Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen (9pm)
Monday Hoffenheim v Augsburg (11.30pm)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
TOUR RESULTS AND FIXTURES
June 3: NZ Provincial Barbarians 7 Lions 13
June 7: Blues 22 Lions 16
June 10: Crusaders 3 Lions 12
June 13: Highlanders 23 Lions 22
June 17: Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32
June 20: Chiefs 6 Lions 34
June 24: New Zealand 30 Lions 15 (First Test)
June 27: Hurricanes 31 Lions 31
July 1: New Zealand 21 Lions 24 (Second Test)
July 8: New Zealand v Lions (Third Test) - kick-off 11.30am (UAE)
KYLIAN MBAPPE 2016/17 STATS
Ligue 1: Appearances - 29, Goals - 15, Assists - 8
UCL: Appearances - 9, Goals - 6
French Cup: Appearances - 3, Goals - 3
France U19: Appearances - 5, Goals - 5, Assists - 1
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?
Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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