Parents, teachers divided over sending children back to school
Ahead of schools’ reopening on November 1 for the primary sections (Class I to V) following more than a year of online classes, parents and teachers are divided over sending children back to schools.
While parents are sceptical to send their wards to school in the absence of a vaccine for children, school authorities and teachers have welcomed the decision, saying “a child is better off in physical classrooms than virtual environment”.
However, both parents and teachers unanimously agree that it is of utmost importance for schools to follow the precautionary measures and the government’s Covid SOPs, considering children’s susceptibility to the virus.
“I have taught my child to wear a mask at all times and about the importance of hand hygiene,” said J Chyne, a working professional and a mother of a Class I student.
Although she is happy that schools are reopening, her concern lies with the fact that there are still no vaccines for children.
Another parent, O Lyngdoh Mawphlang, said, ‘‘I am sceptical about sending my kids to school. I believe it would have been wise if the decision was taken after the availability of vaccines for children or majority of the citizens were vaccinated.”
Faculties and school authorities, however, have welcomed the decision stating that children are better off in a physical classroom environment than in virtual classes.
Headmaster of Sherwood School, Tura, Tyrone D'Brass said that normal classes can continue if Covid protocols are strictly followed in classrooms and school premises.
A teacher of an underprivileged school (who didn’t want to be named) said that not all students are economically well off to afford the tools to attend online classes and hence, virtual classes were hampering the level of education that children need.
“I am sure teachers of both private and government schools are happy with this decision because teaching offline is any day better than online classes,” she said.
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