Covid -19 fear grips the young

Nadia Mutisi, UZ

A LOT of young people are buckling under the fear and anxiety generated by mass consumption of information concerning Covid-19.

A lot of young people are buckling under the fear and anxiety generated by mass consumption of information concerning Covid-19.

The sad, horrifying and negative news on the impact of Covid-19 is affecting most of the younger generation and it is not surprising that mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are on the increase.

This group of young people has to worry about making a contribution to the family as most actually pay for their own school fees and are in some ways, breadwinners.

Despite these challenges, most students are still expected to submit assignments and still somehow manage to learn from home when the home environment is not conducive and brings its own worries. Young people cannot cope under such fear, anxiety and worry.

Final year students are worried about graduating and the big question is; will graduation day actually take place this year?

Ashley Munashe Muchero: GZU

STUDENTS are affected by Covid19. There are assignments to be undertaken but there are also challenges with data bundles or Wi-Fi as Internet is usually down, making it impossible to do anything. Currently there are challenges with study materials.

There are others who have group assignments and presentations. As a result and because of the need for social distancing, the only platform from which we are able to discuss is online. Not all of us are able to be online.

Other students are writing their dissertations and require assistance from lecturers as well as undertake researches from other universities.

Covid-19 and the financial crisis combine to make life difficult for students as prices seem to change every time and stationery is costly.

Panashe Machakaire: MSU

THE major challenge confronting students right now is the cost of data. Data prices keep rising to the extent they have become a luxury we can ill-afford.

Load-shedding is a challenge because at times there is no electricity during the day and students living off-campus resort to preparing meals late at night. Internet connectivity, in order to access cutting-edge research, is a challenge.

As a result of the economic challenges, parents in general are struggling to make ends meet. This in turn affects students.

Fees are high, so is the cost of food, computers and accessories. At the same time for those living off-campus, landlords demand rent in foreign currency, yet our parents earn in local currency.

Natasha Charivanda: UZ

WE have no Wi-Fi at home, which means I would need to travel to the campus to do my work and assignments, but because of Covid, movement is restricted.

For those in my position who are supposed to graduate this year, this puts me in a quandary as my dissertation is hanging. I am supposed to sail through this against the background of the economic situation, the escalating cost of bundles, while we are unable to travel to the university because of Covid-19.