Returning to school during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic

SCHOOLS are open, but Covid-19 is still with us.

Looking at the decreasing cases of people testing positive for Covid-19 and death reports doesn’t guarantee people’s safety. This is why my siblings and I had mixed feelings, thinking of going to back to school after almost six months.

We had sleepless nights, anxiety and fear for days leading up to to schools’ return. But after one week of going to school, we all seem fine.

On my first day back on September 1, I noticed that many changes had been made around the school. It felt as if I was in a completely different place. The last time I set my foot in the school was on March 18, before lockdown.

The school premises were quieter and cleaner. When I entered our class, my classmates were seated according to the rule of 1.5m apart from each other. In our efforts to bond and reconnect, the teachers harshly enforced social distancing and made it clear to everyone that we do not have to go close to each other.

Being children, of course it was hard to follow this rule, so many children frequently disobeyed the rule, only to realise later.

The classroom atmosphere was totally different. Having done both online and in-school learning, the pressure that many of us felt – having to settle down – could be felt in the air as we prepared for a new term of unexpected events.

There was less movement, fewer questions and fewer voices.

I, personally, have had a hard time fitting in with the crowd, seeing as I’ve been isolated for six months. However, I’m glad that all of my peers have been safe. I’m grateful to be going to a school that can provide good Covid-19 restriction methods. This privilege makes me think of the less fortunate. I feel terrible for schools that have amended pupils’ timetables because, due to lack of capacity, they cannot have all pupils at school every day.

Most pupils are back at school, whether attending private or public schools. I am sad, especially for the pupils whose parents lost their income or jobs and cannot afford to send their children to school because they cannot pay school fees.

Due to the fear of Covid-19, some parents have decided to homeschool their children and some have just decided not to send their children to school for the rest of 2020.

I write this article to encourage every single pupil to stay positive. Parents and adults also have to remain hopeful. Yes, there is hope post-Covid-19. For example, I am glad that pupils at public schools are getting free meals and this will reduce hunger. The high levels of substance abuse, depression, fear, loneliness, domestic violence and child abuse will also reduce now that most children are back to school.

I look forward to a good term. Let us remain patient and hopeful.