When Will Schools Reopen?

Elena Smith

And while distance learning is the safest option, for now, the planning has already started for the eventual resumption of face-to-face learning.  The Ministry of Education formed the COVID-19 Education Task Force to plan for that safe reopening, aiming for August/September 2021.  Its first meeting was held last week, and by the looks of it, the reopening of schools won’t happen this school year.  B.N.T.U. National President Elena Smith explains.

Elena Smith, National President, B.N.T.U.

“You know that the ministry has put together a task force for education and that task force had its first meeting last week. So we are right now currently working on those things and to see how it is we could get to the point all parties involved so it includes staff even students would be at a place where they feel it is safe enough for all of them to return to the classroom. We know that the ministry had put out a press release some time ago and they indicated that it didn’t seem possible for this school year meaning that we are expecting that maybe September which would be the other school year. SO if that is the case, then it would be mean that we would be preparing for September. Yes cases are going down but we note that activities are still happening and we see people still gathering at various places, still having social events and while we are happy that cases are going down we have to ensure that we continue maintain the kind of behaviour that will keep it that way. So the Ministry of Health seem to have a bench mark as to when it is going to be safe for the reopening. So as we understand it continues to be guided by the Ministry of Health but at the same time we will preparing for that day comes.”