Education Continues With Forward Plan Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is still going ahead with its plan to reopen in October. Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr Kasan Troupe says the ministry is focused on its blended approach and will be using several strategies to engage students.
While a recent UNICEF/CAPRI study has found a significant percentage of parents unwilling to send their children back to school, the ministry of education is pressing on with its plan as there will be limited face to face and in person engagements as the ministry has put systems in place to facilitate this.
“I can report to you that our regional offices are being equipped with printing facilities to make sure that our Principals, as they prepare the learning episodes on the ground, as they plan their sessions, write lesson plans and develop the content they can reach out to the Ministry of Education and we will package them.
The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the learning environment for students and educators are now tasked with developing means of continuing the learning process through effective and efficient methods. Dr. Troupe says the ministry is targeting students in rural areas to ensure they are involved in this process.
“We may have to rely on the computer aided engagements because we might not be able to physically gather October. We are awaiting the directive from the Ministry of the Health. As soon as the Cabinet are able to reconvene they will deliberate on it; the Ministry of Education will be guided on what can be facilitated and we will definitely communicate with our key stakeholders.”
Some countries have already moved to reopen school amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a risk being taken to ensure students remain engaged but authorities must now consider the benefits and risks across education, public health and socio-economic factors.
