Malakia Nashongo
The Uukwiyuushona Combined School in Oshana region opened for the new academic year last week, with strengthened measures to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
The school has put in place mechanisms to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are observed, including dividing classes to realise social distancing. Upon arrival at school, staff, pupils and visitors have their temperature screened and hands sanitised. School principal Loide Sheehama said learners, especially those in pre-primary as well as in grade 1 to 3, are under the control and care of teachers.
During their breaks, they are accompanied by their teachers to ensure they have their masks on. “We sensitise our kids on issues of Covid-19 and how it is spreading. We talk to them, they know how Covid-19 is spread from one person to another. We just make sure that they do not share masks,” she said.
The principal also urged parents to provide their kids with drinking and food containers to discourage the sharing of items.
“I feel happy that the school has started because we wanted the school to start so that we can get enough education. We should wear our masks to protect ourselves from Covid-19, sanitise every time and keep a distance of one metre between one another in order to protect ourselves from the virus,” said Kati Philemon, a grade 8 learner at the school.
Despite the school putting in place the necessary measures to combat Covid-19, the school is faced with a challenge of not having a cleaner, which poses a threat to the hygiene and wellbeing of both the learners and staff members, especially when it comes to the ablution facilities.
The school has about 400 learners and 19 teachers.