Resumption of classes a concern
Management should devise a schedule that ensures that all learners have the opportunity to participate in face-to-face teaching and learning.
Enzo Amuele
When Covid-19 hit Namibia, education was one of the areas severely affected.
The move from traditional schooling to what we now call online learning was observed, and it took a toll on learners because it was such a significant change.
Due to the outbreak of the virus, face-to-face learning was halted on several occasions.
In his 33rd national briefing, President Hage Geingob said schools will reopen at full capacity, with strengthened infection prevention and control measures in place.
This meant all learners across the country had to return to face-to-face instruction.
Worried parents
Parents are, however, concerned about their children's health because schools are thought to be hotspots for the virus.
According to a parent who chose to remain anonymous, the decision for learners to return to learning at full capacity was hastily made, particularly in public schools where one small classroom can house up to 70 learners.
“I am pleased that the ministry of education has reconsidered this decision and provided for schools that are unable to maintain social separation in classes to continue with shifts for the lower grades,” she said.
“The government was expected to use the lockdown to make sure that all required precautions were taken to prevent the virus from spreading in schools. Make sure there are enough hand sanitisers and social distancing in the classrooms, among other things,” she added.
According to the parent, government officials should visit public schools to see the real situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, in an interview on Namibian Sun’s The Evening Review show, the secretary-general of the All People's Party (APP) Vincent Kanyetu recently commented on the preparation of schools in the Kavango East and West regions, saying they are not fully prepared to provide learners and instructors with safety in the face of Covid-19.
The education ministry has issued a circular outlining the standard both government and private schools should follow.
Pre-primary to grade six learners should return to school on a rotational/cohort basis, according to the executive director, Sanet Steenkamp.
Management and teachers should devise a schedule that ensures that all learners have the opportunity to participate in face-to-face teaching and learning.
Any difficulties should be reported to the regional office, the circular read.
Prevention and control
Steenkamp called on regional offices to form teams to visit schools and review infection control, preventive and control methods, as well as curriculum implementation.
“Schools have been told to improve adherence to Covid-19 health guidelines, and must guarantee that social separation is maintained,” she said.
Steenkamp further emphasised that mask-wearing is firmly enforced, and that hand washing areas and sanitisers are readily available.
“Schools must ensure that learners and educators use these facilities regularly,” she said.
When Covid-19 hit Namibia, education was one of the areas severely affected.
The move from traditional schooling to what we now call online learning was observed, and it took a toll on learners because it was such a significant change.
Due to the outbreak of the virus, face-to-face learning was halted on several occasions.
In his 33rd national briefing, President Hage Geingob said schools will reopen at full capacity, with strengthened infection prevention and control measures in place.
This meant all learners across the country had to return to face-to-face instruction.
Worried parents
Parents are, however, concerned about their children's health because schools are thought to be hotspots for the virus.
According to a parent who chose to remain anonymous, the decision for learners to return to learning at full capacity was hastily made, particularly in public schools where one small classroom can house up to 70 learners.
“I am pleased that the ministry of education has reconsidered this decision and provided for schools that are unable to maintain social separation in classes to continue with shifts for the lower grades,” she said.
“The government was expected to use the lockdown to make sure that all required precautions were taken to prevent the virus from spreading in schools. Make sure there are enough hand sanitisers and social distancing in the classrooms, among other things,” she added.
According to the parent, government officials should visit public schools to see the real situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, in an interview on Namibian Sun’s The Evening Review show, the secretary-general of the All People's Party (APP) Vincent Kanyetu recently commented on the preparation of schools in the Kavango East and West regions, saying they are not fully prepared to provide learners and instructors with safety in the face of Covid-19.
The education ministry has issued a circular outlining the standard both government and private schools should follow.
Pre-primary to grade six learners should return to school on a rotational/cohort basis, according to the executive director, Sanet Steenkamp.
Management and teachers should devise a schedule that ensures that all learners have the opportunity to participate in face-to-face teaching and learning.
Any difficulties should be reported to the regional office, the circular read.
Prevention and control
Steenkamp called on regional offices to form teams to visit schools and review infection control, preventive and control methods, as well as curriculum implementation.
“Schools have been told to improve adherence to Covid-19 health guidelines, and must guarantee that social separation is maintained,” she said.
Steenkamp further emphasised that mask-wearing is firmly enforced, and that hand washing areas and sanitisers are readily available.
“Schools must ensure that learners and educators use these facilities regularly,” she said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article