WALES AND GERMANY

ALISON WARD, 43, a teacher-turned-carer from Bridgend, Wales MARTINA DOERR, 45, a teacher from Osterode am Harz, Germany Alison, a mum of seven, was a primary school teacher but is now a full-time carer for her husband.

Martina teaches English and French. Martina says: “I think caring for relatives is something that is taken for granted. I find you very courageous, I admire you.”

Alison home-schooled her younger children during lockdown. Martina says she thinks schools in Germany should have remained open during the pandemic.

“I could see some children were falling behind or didn’t have the necessary equipment,” she says. “There were also parents who were working in jobs where they just couldn’t look after their children.

“But I agree with you, Alison, it shouldn’t come at any cost, if the cases are really bad, they should close.”

The pair say they will keep in touch.

Children were falling behind or didn’t have the necessary equipment

MARTINA DOERR ON HOME SCHOOLING IN GERMANY