Reopening schools

After a hiatus of nearly six months, the government has finally decided to reopen all educational institutes including schools, colleges and universities from September 15. This comes as a welcome move and sigh of relief for millions of students whose studies were impacted due to the pandemic.

The education sector was the first victim when the outbreak surfaced in the country. Students have faced sort of problems ever since including the loss of academic year and learning. All examinations have been cancelled for this year and students have not learned much. This could seriously impact their future particularly those in transition to professional life.

Many educational institutes switched to online classes but others with large number of students were unable to make these changes. Students suffered from low connectivity, poor internet coverage especially in rural areas, and complained of declining standards of teaching. They demanded refunds or cancellations until the situation improves.

Now the government has decided to reopen educational institutes under strict SOPs which will be devised in the coming days with the health department and provincial governments. Among the proposals is holding classes on alternate days or in open-air settings. Hostels in universities will operate at 30 percent occupancy and schools will be allowed to hold entry tests beforehand.

This is easier said than done as school administrations particularly those with smaller children will be unable to enforce social distancing. It will be hard to control children in tightly packed environments as schools are often crowded and students share desks and play together. The government has warned that any educational institute not following safety precautions will be closed.

The decision isn’t final as the government will review the situation in early August. With the much-feared second wave of coronavirus approaching in the upcoming winter, the situation could worsen much further by then and the number of cases could spike once again.

Students would be heading back to their institutes under different circumstances and with drastic changes in their lives and studies. A phased reopening with higher education first would be more feasible idea that should be considered. The government should not take any decision which may affect lives and health of young people.