Rosy Akbar commends holistic efforts to educate

Atotal of 169,167 worksheets have been downloaded from the Ministry of Education’s website as of May 27, 2020.

With an average of 100 emailed queries daily and 250 phone calls weekly, Education

Minister Rosy Akbar said this indicates the high level of parental engagement shown during the COVID-19 crisis. She said 66 vernacular lessons have been aired so far on the radio and a success rate of 92.5 per cent has been recorded with the manual distribution of worksheets in partnership with village representatives.

She made special mention of the Northern Divisional Education Office for assisting 80 students from 96 households in the Soasoa Community and 108 students from 105 households in the Vunicagi Settlement.

Teachers who provided psycho-social support to students at isolation facilities through cards, meals and well-wishes were also commended.

She said daily life for 275,203 students had changed since the COVID-19 pandemic and she acknowledged the resilience shown by the youngest quarter of the population and how well they are coping in this difficult time.

“I know it has been difficult for children to continue learning under these extremely stressful situations and informal setups,” Ms Akbar said.

“It has been a challenge for parents to access the supplementary activities and academically support their children, especially in rural and maritime schools.”

She said the ministry is continually engaged in finding ways and means to support children who are disadvantaged because of geographical isolation.