Keeping our heads above water

THE revelation that teachers are being asked to identify children who display signs of trauma and to have a talanoa session with them is interesting. As our report today on Page 5 points out, this was emphasised in a circular to headteachers and principals issued on July 15 by the national education service director Timoci Bure.

Mr Bure said students returning to school after a three-month break due to COVID-19 could display signs of trauma for various reasons.

It could stem from the realisation that their parents were unemployed, they may have been physically abused, may have used drugs, could have been cyberbullied, or were subjected to domestic violence.

It was critically important for teachers, he noted, to be vigilant and very observant of the signs that students would show indicating they needed help.

He said the onus was on teachers to make sure students felt safe while in school.

“Act calm! Children look to adults for reassurance and safety. Listen well, let kids know it is OK to tell you how they are feeling at any time.”

Teachers have been told to keep confidential any information a child has shared with them.

We certainly live in unprecedented times which call for unprecedented action.

The global pandemic certainly has changed the way people live their lives.

It’s the new norm.

We are being forced to do things we weren’t doing previously, to a certain extent.

It is this factor that is forcing a rethink of priorities for instance, and how we actually live our lives.

The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama recently highlighted the fact that 115,000 workers have been directly impacted by the pandemic. Thousands more have been forced to work reduced hours, and have had their pay cut. Many have been forced to take leave entitlements.

In the face of that sits this latest revelation. It touches the very heart of survival.

Deep in there somewhere sits the realisation that the effects of the pandemic are many, and varied.

There is the direct impact which has caused massive job losses. Then there is the mental anguish, made worse by the realisation that there are no time limits. Without a vaccine yet, we are left to ponder on the fact that this may very well be a long haul.

Times are difficult. Disposal income is affected. The buying power of the consumer is greatly impacted.

There are many things that may add up to negatively impact our children.

The challenge is how well we can communicate with them, and work out appropriate measures to empower them.

We ultimately will bank on the powers that be to provide the guideline for us all, to empower us, and provide the impetus for us to stay positive.

In the meantime, if we can, we should be thinking outside the box, to stay focused, calm, and positive. These are not normal times.