Any talk about resuming classes must begin with restoring a sense of security among parents and ensuring that a protocol applies to all

As we learn to live with the virus long-term, the re-opening of schools in some nations like Japan, Denmark and China has given a ray of hope to the Indian Government to resume educational activities here, too. For after the economy, if there is any sector that has been badly affected, it is education. Exams have been delayed given the predicted viral storm of June and July, and students are now deprived of the very purpose for which they attended schools, to interact with peer groups, engage with the world and awaken to the practicality of life around them. Online classes have a limited reach and India’s vast hinterland is still on the other side of the digital divide. So till classes resume within an altered reality, students are looking at a wasted or truncated academic year. Responding to the anxiety of both students and teachers, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry is looking at a tentative date of August 15 to resume school and college though it is subject to ground realities. A staggered opening of classes, senior students first, non-compulsory attendance, calling students on alternative days and a flexible plan to avoid any exigencies are being mulled at the moment. But pandemic-proofing schools is a tall order since it involves inculcating behavioural changes among students whose natural inclination is to hug and bond. How to, for example, ensure social distancing at primary levels? Haryana has come up with the idea of setting up “demo schools” first and then open the rest in a phased manner. In fact, schools need a uniform SOP, like the one issued for resumption of malls and other public spaces, that has to be even more thorough about disinfection protocols.

Parental anxiety is strikingly evident from the fact that over four lakh of them have petitioned the Government, demanding that schools must not reopen unless the COVID-19 situation improves or a vaccine is ready. And if schools fail to inspire confidence, then some parents are even willing to drop a year for their kids. So the Ministry has to first codify norms, right from the school bus and entry gate to classrooms, washrooms and cafeteria. A strategised seating plan needs to be chalked out, even in open spaces like parks. The premises must be disinfected more frequently and need to be kept sterile for a vulnerable age group. While private schools may be better prepared with Corona proofing protocols — they may as well raise school fees to compensate extra costs — the Government needs to rescue public schools and upgrade their infrastructure. Parents need to be re-oriented. Any talk about reopening schools must begin with restoring a sense of security among parents and ensuring that a protocol applies to all schools uniformly and doesn’t build inequities between elite institutions and Government schools.

(Courtesy: The Pioneer)

Any talk about resuming classes must begin with restoring a sense of security among parents and ensuring that a protocol applies to all

As we learn to live with the virus long-term, the re-opening of schools in some nations like Japan, Denmark and China has given a ray of hope to the Indian Government to resume educational activities here, too. For after the economy, if there is any sector that has been badly affected, it is education. Exams have been delayed given the predicted viral storm of June and July, and students are now deprived of the very purpose for which they attended schools, to interact with peer groups, engage with the world and awaken to the practicality of life around them. Online classes have a limited reach and India’s vast hinterland is still on the other side of the digital divide. So till classes resume within an altered reality, students are looking at a wasted or truncated academic year. Responding to the anxiety of both students and teachers, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry is looking at a tentative date of August 15 to resume school and college though it is subject to ground realities. A staggered opening of classes, senior students first, non-compulsory attendance, calling students on alternative days and a flexible plan to avoid any exigencies are being mulled at the moment. But pandemic-proofing schools is a tall order since it involves inculcating behavioural changes among students whose natural inclination is to hug and bond. How to, for example, ensure social distancing at primary levels? Haryana has come up with the idea of setting up “demo schools” first and then open the rest in a phased manner. In fact, schools need a uniform SOP, like the one issued for resumption of malls and other public spaces, that has to be even more thorough about disinfection protocols.

Parental anxiety is strikingly evident from the fact that over four lakh of them have petitioned the Government, demanding that schools must not reopen unless the COVID-19 situation improves or a vaccine is ready. And if schools fail to inspire confidence, then some parents are even willing to drop a year for their kids. So the Ministry has to first codify norms, right from the school bus and entry gate to classrooms, washrooms and cafeteria. A strategised seating plan needs to be chalked out, even in open spaces like parks. The premises must be disinfected more frequently and need to be kept sterile for a vulnerable age group. While private schools may be better prepared with Corona proofing protocols — they may as well raise school fees to compensate extra costs — the Government needs to rescue public schools and upgrade their infrastructure. Parents need to be re-oriented. Any talk about reopening schools must begin with restoring a sense of security among parents and ensuring that a protocol applies to all schools uniformly and doesn’t build inequities between elite institutions and Government schools.

(Courtesy: The Pioneer)