In celebration of the Indian festival of Diwali, several schools in the UAE have granted students an extended four-day weekend. However, in light of the conflict in Gaza, schools are scaling back on on-campus festivities.
Gems Our Own Indian School, for example, will be closed on November 10 and 13, allowing families more time to celebrate. The school’s principal, Lalitha Suresh, stated that celebrations at the school will be subdued, with educational activities in class assemblies. Students are also encouraged to contribute to the Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘Tarahum – for Gaza’ campaign.
Other schools, such as Shining Star International and Sharjah Indian School, have also cancelled major celebrations and are focusing on essential curriculum elements while acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Gems Education has directed its schools to suspend celebratory events, including Diwali and Christmas festivities, due to the regional conflict.
