After months, schools reopen in Meghalaya
The coming weeks, however, are expected to give a better picture as most schools will be opening in the city. Several school managements said that they are in constant consultation with parents for their inputs and will soon ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning with all necessary safety measures in place.
Following the government’s order, educational institutes reopened in Meghalaya on Wednesday, and the happy faces of the students were a testimony of how eagerly they have waited for it. Once again, the city streets were abuzz with youngsters clad in uniforms and there was a somewhat celebratory vibe in the air.
"It's feels nice that schools have started but we will have to take care of ourselves. We should follow protocols, wear our masks and avoid gatherings," said Abadahun Wanshnong, a Class 12 student.
Though majority of them are happy to be able to attend classes in classrooms after months, some raised concerns on the safety of the unvaccinated students and the rise in cost of transportation post the lockdown.
"I feel it’s a bit risky. Especially, for those who have not been vaccinated. But it's the government's decision and they surely know what’s best. In these circumstances, I feel it would be better for all if everybody take their vaccines," Naphibaniar said.
Lily Kharnaior, a parent, who came with her daughter for a consultation meeting with the school management of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Shillong, said "The rise in transportation costs has really affected us. Previously, we used to pay Rs 30 for a taxi ride to drop my daughter at school, but post the lockdown, fares have doubled."
Meanwhile, Headmaster of Jaiaw Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, S Mawblei said, "Inside the school premises, we can vouch for our students’ safety, but not outside. You see, we don’t have any control over their mode of travelling and with whom they commute. So, I appeal to the parents and the students to be very careful while commuting to school.”
All the schools in the city, however, didn’t open on Wednesday. Since many educational establishments were used as quarantine and vaccination centres during the lockdown, several school managements cited proper sanitisation of the premises and rearrangement of classrooms as the reasons behind them not opening their schools.
"Our school’s management said that first they will sanitise the premises and then allow us inside. Till then, we‘ll have to continue with the online classes," said Lavinia Kharnaior, a Class 11 student of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Shillong.
The coming weeks, however, are expected to give a better picture as most schools will be opening in the city. Several school managements said that they are in constant consultation with parents for their inputs and will soon ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning with all necessary safety measures in place.
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