COVID-19 – What does it mean for learners and teachers?
Ruth Samuels • September 21, 2020
How has COVID-19 affected you?
It’s one thing for those in the private sector to be surrounded by five or ten colleagues and maintain distance during the day; but for the ones who work in the public sector, going to schools and entering hospitals, it’s indeed a scary thought - equating pretty much to walking amongst landmines every minute of the day.
The devastation of the many months of COVID-19 lockdown, coupled with the parental concerns regarding formal education and mental stimulation of students (especially for those in rural areas with little or zero infrastructure for online learning) has a devastating impact on every one of us, and the domino effect will exacerbate existing disparities in the system and the marginalized communities.
The parent concerns and the part that Unions and government are playing in this matter is of great importance and impact on the future of our nation.
Many parents are unprepared for homeschooling and its challenges. For many the lack of knowledge in technology, the use of laptops and online assistance, a TV, or just the unavailability of any network access is daunting. This makes an already vulnerable society further stressed out with anxiety.
For others who are fortunate enough to have access to a refined infrastructure that is favourable to the privilege of homeschooling, it’s no less daunting. As whatever happens to one side of society spirals and affects everyone down the tube in one way or the other.
Job losses, a break down in the health and education systems, and the lack of broad-based development - which together makes up a great part of the spinal cord of any society - will be the undoing and collapse of our economy. There goes our country.
We are, and have been, dependant on the essential services. All essential workers, including teachers and health workers, have risen to the challenges that society has asked. And if any of you feel you have had enough - remember that at the end of the day, Your Life Matters.
We urge every learner and teacher to take care during the COVID-19 crisis, follow the protocols from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and make sure to keep learning throughout the #lockdown.
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