Parents show divided reaction over their children returning to school

Following the opening of schools for students sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations Monday June 15, parents have aired both their concerns and approvals relating to the COVID-19 Protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health.

An examination order has been made in which students are required to wear a mask upon entry as well as wash their hands at the sinks provided in the school compound. Actions such as loitering are strictly prohibited and students must utilize the 2 metre/ six feet marks to ensure social distancing. Many parents have praised the initiative and expressed the importance of the preparations for the exams their children are about to sit. One parent with a child sitting the National Grade Six Assessment said that it is absolutely necessary for his daughter to be at school to prepare for her exams as she is not a fast learner and is highly dependent on the classroom environment for her learning. He further mentioned that in addition to the measures put in place at schools, he will ensure that she is sanitized upon entry in the house after returning from school in order to prevent her from possibly passing on the virus if picked up. Another parent with the same view added that even though she was not allowed in the compound so that she can see the environment and measures set up for her child, she trusts that the protocol will be carried out effectively. Contrary to these views Kaieteur received a larger amount of parents in opposition. One parent voiced her concerns over what amendments this protocol makes in terms of the 6:00 curfew. However with the curfew being lifted on June 17 this should be of no problem.

(Kaieteur News)