Losing a classmate can have a profound impact on students, especially young children who may not have developed coping mechanisms. In the UAE, school leaders are offering support and guidance to students after the tragic loss of a seven-year-old boy who died in a locked car in Sharjah. The child had been left in the car for hours before being discovered. Educators and wellness experts are working to help students navigate their feelings during this difficult time.
Abhilasha Singh, Principal of Shining Star International, emphasized the need for specialized school staff to talk to students and provide them with space to express their emotions. She highlighted the importance of developing resilience in students through social-emotional learning programs. Sushma Dmello, a counselor at Amity School Dubai, stressed the role of schools and teachers in creating a supportive environment for students to cope with grief and seek help when needed.
Experts acknowledge that grieving students may struggle with concentration and academic performance. Teachers and school administrators are prepared to offer accommodations such as extensions on assignments and additional support to help students during this challenging time. Girish Hemnani, an Energy Healer and Life Coach in Dubai, emphasized the significance of remembrance and commemoration in honoring the life of the departed friend. Encouraging students to participate in rituals or tributes can help them find comfort and solidarity in coping with the loss.
