U.D.P.: MOE Has Already Failed with Safe Reopening of Schools

The United Democratic Party has issued a press release charging the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology has (Quote) “failed to support teachers and students during the pandemic” and likewise “failed to adequately plan a safe reopening with a realistic timeline.” (Unquote) The party says the ministry has been indecisive with three changes in the date for reopening schools over the last four months. Schools are scheduled to reopen on January tenth to hybrid learning, and despite hundreds of schools having applied, the U.D.P. says enough time has not been given for schools to adequately prepare and qualify for a safe reopening this month. The U.D.P. says the ministry’s plan seems to be rushed. They also note that the omicron variant has education officials in many other countries revisiting their guidance and protocols to schools, but that M.O.E.’s guidelines were developed pre-omicron. The release ends with an extensive list of things M.O.E. should do. These include vaccination procurement and rollout for students five to eleven years old; continued vaccination campaign for students twelve years and older; providing all schools, especially government schools, with wash hand basins, thermometers, social distancing markers, and disposable masks. They also want regular cleaning and hygiene kits or a financial grant to purchase such materials for the duration of the pandemic; improved classroom ventilation by upgrading antiquated classroom designs and regular free testing for all teachers and auxiliary staff.