National Pandemic Controller Mr. David Manning earlier this week gave the directive for all Primary and High Schools throughout the country to resume classes to mark the beginning of the second term for this year.
The directive includes that it is mandatory for all students and teaching staff to observe the covid19 safety protocols by wearing of masks, regularly washing of hands, and practicing social distancing the classrooms and schools.
This will prove to be a task for most schools especially with the number of students in a class is too high.
Head teacher of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Hohola Mrs Sheila Sabarei said she has a total of 1800 students for primary and 700 students for Elementary classes
“We have 50-70 students in a class and to socially distance it is not possible.”
“I have a huge concern for my teachers as well as the students.”
“However, we (teachers and ancillary staff) have already cleaned the school in preparation for school resumption and will be encouraging students to wear their masks, we also have our hand washing basins and soaps available for hand wash and every classroom will have infrared thermometers available to check students temperature.”
Meanwhile, similar sentiments have been shared by another Head teacher of one local primary school in the Highlands.
Mr. Kurai Piuk, head teacher of Wapenamanda Primary School in Enga Province said whilst resuming of classes will be easy, it’s the maintaining of the new measure that will prove to be difficult especially in rural schools.
“We have already installed 4 water tanks in the school to encourage the students to wash their hands but there is no proper water supply system in the District.”
“The school needs masks to distribute to students has well and especially with parents not paying their schools fees, there are no funds this essential item.”
Mr. Piuk said students have already lost enough valuable time in their education and the Authorities should follow through and provide all essential especially for schools in rural areas to successfully carry out COVID-19 safety protocol.
Despite these, these schools are looking forward to begin classes today as per directives and are hopeful that the Government will assist where needed.