Why this rush to reopen schools?

Dear Editor,

Schools should not have been opened while Covid-19 is on the increase. In the past few days, over one thousand new cases of the pandemic has been reported, and there are much more unreported cases. It has infiltrated into the schools and infected teachers and students. Yet schools have been reopened for all students, even the ones between three and four years old. Why this rush to reopen schools? Who is advising the Minister of Education and making policy decisions? In other countries, hit by hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters, schools are shut down and the missing days made up for by extending the school year afterwards. After the pandemic, schools can have less holidays – only the month of

August, two weeks in December, and have classes on Saturdays to make up for lost instruction. Further, only 5th form students and students taking exams should be allowed to attend classes. They would have more space in uncongested areas and have less chance of being infected. When the entire school attends classes, students are more vulnerable and the results can be catastrophic. We must bear in mind that the poor are the most vulnerable (evidenced by the collapse house at Bonasika where two died). Many children of the rich attend private schools, or have inhouse tutors. Let good judgement prevail—lives are more important than instant gratification.

Sincerely,

Karan Chand Region 2 Resident