The United Nations reports that around 243 million children in the Asia-Pacific region are facing increased exposure to hotter and longer heat waves, putting them at risk of various heat-related illnesses and potentially death.
UNICEF stated last month, “Young children are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as chronic respiratory disease, asthma, and cardiovascular disease.”
However, the ongoing closures of schools could worsen the challenges students were already facing during the pandemic, leading to prolonged online learning in some parts of Asia for months or even years. In response, authorities in Bangladesh, where students are gearing up for exams, have announced that schools may remain open on weekends if needed.
Some educators, like Nasrin Akhtar, are quickly shifting back to online classes. Akhtar, who teaches English to first graders in Dhaka, referred to her students as “corona kids,” noting that they have become accustomed to online learning for most of their education.
Despite this, Akhtar emphasized the importance of in-person interactions for young students, stating, “No matter how much we try in online classes, they miss out on the personal connection we can establish with them face-to-face.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com
