Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has announced a confusing and erratic schedule for spring vacations on Wednesdy, drawing criticism for its inconsistency and disregard for academic needs.
In a notification, the FDE notified that all educational institutions under its jurisdiction will observe spring break from April 8–12. While the next academic year will start on April 15, 2024.
The teaching staff, meanwhile, has criticized the FDE’s announcement for its disregard for academic norms. They are worried that these spring break days may conflict with the Eidul Fitr holiday, which is scheduled to fall on the same dates.
According to the teachers, the purpose of spring vacations is to offer teachers and students a well-deserved break following the conclusion of the academic session on March 31st. A female teacher told a local publication that they needed a break to recharge and prepare for the new academic session following a hectic session.
Speaking with a local publication, a female teacher emphasized her anger, saying, “We need a break to recharge and get ready for the next academic session after a busy session. Regretfully, the FDE authorities don’t appear to understand the academic needs of institutions. She also brought up the FDE’s lack of a permanent director general, blaming interim arrangements for the decision-making process.
She pleaded with the government to select a regular Director General who would be able to give students’ and instructors’ academic welfare priority when making choices.
It is pertinent to mention that previously, the FDE had announced that the spring break will be observed from April 1 to 7, 2024. Now, the sudden change of schedule has drawn severe criticism from stakeholders. The teaching staff has urged the authorities to reconsider their decision and announce the break according to the original schedule.
