Minister for Education, Heritage & Arts Launches Advocacy Resources on COVID Safety Measures
The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Premila Kumar, on Wednesday launched advocacy resources on COVID-Safety Measures which have been developed with support from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
As schools reopen, the Ministry continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF to provide as much support as possible to students, teachers and parents in ensuring that everyone plays their part in keeping students safe.
Mrs Kumar said the decision to reopen schools was taken into account numerous factors, including potential health risks, as well as negative impacts of school closures on students.
“The risks to children being out of school continue to be greater than the risks of them being in school,” she said.
The Ministry has also supported schools with sanitisers, masks and hygienic items which will further boost their existing resources in creating and maintaining a safe school environment.
These were generously donated by a number of development partners, private sector, NGOs and individuals.
COVID-19 guidelines
In collaboration with MHMS, WHO and UNICEF, Mrs Kumar said the Ministry had also revised the school reopening guidelines which were sent to schools last week to guide and support schools on how to create and maintain a safe school environment.
“The guidelines entail all the necessary details to ensure Heads of Schools and teachers can keep the students and themselves safe in the schools,” she added.
Whilst speaking at the launch, Mrs Kumar also said: “As we begin the New Year we must do what we can to engage our students in learning.
“This is most important. Of course, we do this while taking the necessary measures to keep our students safe.
We must not forget that this is a shared responsibility of all of us and we all must ensure that our students continue their education in a safe environment.”
She said the advocacy resources included brochures, cards, posters and stickers which will provide a checklist for students before they leave home.
Also, it included the information on hygiene practices at school, COVID symptoms to look out for, messages for teachers to follow proper COVID-safe protocols, hand washing tips, a summary of COVID safety guidelines, while the TV and radio messages are for parents and children and are meant to amplify the excitement and momentum around the return to school.
“It is important we all support schools to resume inperson learning by doing everything possible to mitigate against the transmission of the virus,” Mrs Kumar said.
The Education Minister emphasised that the Ministry, in collaboration with MHMS, WHO and UNICEF, is doing all it can to inform students, teachers and parents of all preventive measures, aimed at keeping our schools open.
Mrs Kumar also noted the excitement among students on the reopening of the schools as well as the large number of students who are keen to get vaccinated.
She calls upon every Fijian to apply a factual and practical approach to COVID-19, as the Fijian Government recognises the importance of education and is committed to supporting the continuity of student learning.
Mrs Kumar assured that the Ministry will continue its regular dialogue with MHMS, UNICEF and WHO to support schools to keep students, teachers and ancillary staff safe.