Summer Classes, Summer Camps Amid COVID-19

With Covid-19 still being a present threat to Jamaicans, there are mounting concerns about the move by some schools to start summer classes and what protocols would govern the undertaking. Parents, however, are welcoming of the move citing it as one means of preparing their child for the new safety measures for the new school year.

At the Southborough Primary school, children turned up for summer classes with their masks accompanied by parents. It is considered as a new normal with temperature checks being carried out before they can enter the establishment. It is the same process that is being carried out at other schools on the island despite Covid-19 being a threat.

“I think it is safe. I feel good about it because this is how you’re gonna know if it is working yes or no. Locking them up in the house and being paranoid about it will not help. They have to learn a form of responsibility,” shared one parent.

But, there have been concerns about decisions to start summer classes. There are also questions about whether protocols will be followed by students and whether educators will ensure that the behavior is enforced. Some parents shave gone ahead to make their own checks.

“Being the parent and coming and looking to see if they have everything in place the kids have to wash their hands and going into the classroom the desks are organised interns of the social distance,” one parent explained.”So I feel pretty much safe and they send information on how you should properly sanitize. My little daughter, she has pamphlets we have to go through with her in terms of  what is expected in terms of the interaction with other kids.”

President of the Jamaica Teachers Association, Owen Speid who is aware of summer schools taking place, says once safety protocols are followed there should be no issues.

“The protocols exist across the board so if schools are allowed to have more than a certain number then fine they could go ahead but they need to consult with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health,” he said. ….

Just recently in Parliament, the Local Government and Community Development minister moved to announce that summer camps would now be allowed. According to him, the government is not forcing anyone to send their children to these camps but if they do certain protocols must be followed.