Going back to school during the pandemic has prompted mixed emotions among teachers, learners, and parents who want to see kids back in school buildings but also fear the risk of their little ones contracting Covid-19.
Learners missed months of education during 2020 when schools were either closed or partly opened as a result of the various Covid-19 levels of lockdown.
Speaking to Youth Corner, the school principal of The Gardener Academy, Fortune Mutemaringa said although the previous year was challenging, they are, however, prepared to start school.
“We are very ready because we have already started with the online classes since last year and with the face-to-face classes that just started, we are also prepared and also taking the necessary precautions to make sure our teachers and learners are safe all the time. The previous experiences taught us better for this time,” explained Mutemaringa.
According to Mutemaringa, during the first week of school, they will monitor the situation and determine whether to continue with face-to-face classes or get back to virtual classes.
Teachers and learners at Michelle Mclean Primary School are also geared to begin the academic year.
According to the school principal, Nadia Mushabati-Lizazi, the school has coordinated learners’ shifts to avoid bigger crowds at the school premises.
“We only have one shift whereby group one comes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while group two comes on Tuesday and Thursday and they rotate weekly,” she explained.
Despite the school’s readiness, Mushabati-Lizazi mentioned that the school is experiencing challenges of unprepared parents who have not applied for their children last year.
She said: “The late registration is taking up most of our time.”
Yesterday, the country recorded a total number of 225 new cases and learners are urged to protect themselves and others by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching their faces, eyes, noses, and mouths.
– ashikololo@nepc.com.na