Education in school is wiser than studying at home: Mackinlay

As Irinieta Mackinlay puts trust in God and teachers while sending her siblings to school during the COVID-19 era, she says getting education in school is better for children.

Resident of Muanikoso housing, who has three siblings in different levels, said sor children to study home was no easy as they usually diverted their mind into watching TV and playing games.

“Home isn’t a good environment to study notes and do examinations. In school, teachers are able to supervise them and make learning much better,” she said.

Ms Mackinlay’s siblings, Alan Mackinlay - Year five, Daniel Mackinlay - year one and Sairusi Muavou - year 13, are really excited to get back to school.

She said their first day at school this week was awesome and they were able to complete their worksheets in the classroom.

“Apart from have fun, please don’t go to school if you’re not feeling well and risking other kids and their loved ones,” she said.

She said children getting back to school made work life easier for her as well.

“It makes it easier for me to Work and Play rugby without worrying about what I need to worry about when I have kids at home,” she added.

“Also I’m at ease that they are getting the proper attention and education they need but I am also always constantly worried for their health, with this virus still spreading. But If I had to choose, they can stay at home rather than being exposed to the virus.

She said at school everything could be structured whereas at home, parents and guardians had to work according to the time they were free to help with the kids school work.

“Since I run an online business and tried to keep fit through rugby, it has been hard for me physically and mentally to also cope with these changes but we made it through,” she said.

“Knowing that many parents might oppose that school have reopened but I know that the Ministry of Education would have taken this step for a reason,” she said.

She advises children and teachers in school to stay safe, sanitise and mask up because the virus never left our shores.

From left: Alan Mackinaly (Year five), Sairusi Muavou (Year 13) and Daniel Mackinlay (Year one).

Photo: Ronald Kumar Twin sisters eight year-old’s Leba Rosie and Esther Kuini with their grandmother, Leba Ravula while shopping for their back to school shopping on December 31, 2021.