Parents want children back in school but…  

As schools reopen their doors for candidates, we can all agree that it has not been a simple decision to make. Government, schools, and parents are struggling with difficult yet uncertain trade-offs to get students back in school.

No doubt that reopening institutionsof learning is a complicated process that requires additional resources.

The timing of reopening schools for only candidate classes has been chaotic. It has shown us how several schools across the country are not yet ready to welcome students back given that they find it difficult to implement the requisite standard operating procedures.

Recall that these are unprecedented times where many parents are experiencing financial stress and are in need of assistance to provide for their children’s needs amid other competing priorities.

Many have lost jobs yet the future of their children’s education hangs in the balance.

As schools navigate the difficult times and questions over keeping students and teachers safe from Covid-19, it would be relief for schools to slash fees and extend discounts for the next term, heeding the call of parents who are still reeling under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many parents are concerned about their children in other classes missing education. Besides, not all learners across the country have access to digital learning tools due to underlying reasons such as income inequality, limited or no access to electricity, and other social and cultural factors.

Therefore, schools with online learning will also need to watch the progress of low-income students.

How about government slashes the cost of Internet and reduces taxes on e-learning material such as laptops, desktops, smartphones and mifi routers?

With some schools reopened, school administrators should increase investments in e-learning. These will be helpful in preparing students for future rounds of school closings, strengthen teaching and learning where closures remain in effect.

Teachers should also be given digital training to enhance remote learning. Government could consider giving some incentives to teachers who develop online classes and train other teachers now that some teachers had joined other careers or activities to earn a living as schools were closed. 

There should also be a mechanism of allowing teachers to supplement in-person classes with high-quality virtual classwork that students can use to catch up.

Going forward, schools will have to balance between the risks and educational need to ensure safety of all the parties involved.

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