Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, many South African teachers and hospitality workers are choosing to remain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with over 6,400 citizens registering their presence on the Travel Smart system as of March 4. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had issued a plea for all South African citizens to evacuate the region, but it seems many are determined to stay.
A South African teacher, known as ‘W_y_n_n’ on TikTok, shared his experiences of teaching in Dubai during this time, explaining that the conflict has had a significant impact on education. “We have lost two weeks of the second term, and I know one week was online, then the school holidays were moved one week earlier, but we lost face-to-face time with students because of that loss of time; there were certain things that could not happen online,” he said. For more information on the Travel Smart system, visit the Department of International Relations and Cooperation website.
Challenges Facing South African Teachers in the UAE
Makida Kumalo, another South African living in the UAE, shared her reasons for staying, despite the challenges it has posed for her Airbnb business. “I am here to expand my Airbnb business but things are not going as planned, I had to apply for jobs, I do not know how the next few days would look like and going home, everyone is saying I am being stubborn but I worked really hard to get here and I know my safety is very important, I am safe,” she said. Kumalo’s story highlights the difficulties faced by many South Africans in the UAE, who are trying to make a living amidst the uncertainty.
Impact of Conflict on Education
The conflict in the UAE has also had a significant impact on the education sector, with many schools having to adapt to online learning. According to the United Arab Emirates Wikipedia page, the country has a well-developed education system, but the current situation has posed significant challenges for teachers and students alike. Some of the key challenges include:
- Lack of face-to-face interaction between teachers and students
- Difficulty in conducting assessments and exams online
- Disruption to the academic calendar
Despite these challenges, many South African teachers are determined to make the most of the situation and continue providing education to their students. As the situation in the UAE continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the conflict will affect the education sector and the South African community living in the region.
