School closures should be the last option

PW invited parents of Delhi Public School, Kamptee Road, Nagpur to share their views on frequent school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic “Mass closure of schools during the first wave of the pandemic was acceptable since the country was in the grip of an unprecedented crisis, with little knowledge about symptoms and treatment of the deadly virus. With school managements taking great care to design safety protocols for children to follow for in-person classes resumption, we believe there is no safer place for school children — my sons Gurjas (class IX) and Gurman (class I) included — than the school campus. Repeated school closures have only confused them and affected their mental well-being” — Jasmeet Kaur Birgi, businesswoman, Nagpur The Covid-19 pandemic has caused enormous education disruption countrywide. Add to that repeated school closures. Thanks to the DPS Nagpur school management’s timely online learning initiatives and subsequent on-campus vaccination drive, my 17-year-old daughter Bhumika (class XII) is up to date with her studies and has received her first jab. But given a choice, she would attend physical school any day for the socio-emotional support it offers her, among other benefits. I believe schools should remain open for able, willing and ready children and parents.” — Priyanka Kumari, homemaker. “Recently available data on Covid-19 indicates that there is a limited direct danger to children’s health. Children account for only for 8.5 percent of Covid positive cases with very few deaths reported worldwide. Bearing this in mind, local governments should make informed decisions on keeping children in or out of school, and avoid prolonged lockdowns. It’s unfortunate for children like my daughter Amaira (class I) who can only visualise what a real school looks like. Therefore, the need of the hour is for schools to reopen campuses for in-person classes and to ensure children’s social emotional well-being. Closing schools should be the last resort.” — Dr. Megha Jain, dental surgeon and cosmetologist, Nagpur “School closures during the pandemic waves which proved to be testing for teachers and students, were not fully justified. Adding to the enormous learning loss suffered by young children learning from home is the lack of student acceptance and commitment towards online classes. My children —Twinkle (class IX) and Tejas (class V) — who have shown little bonding with their online classmates, are no exception. Clearly, they are missing physical school, their friends and joyful play.” — Dr. Manish Dipani, practising general physician Also read: School reopening happiness Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp