When will the schools and colleges reopen?
As more and more people are getting vaccinated in India, many states have partially opened the schools and colleges for various classes. Depending on where you are and the number of Coronavirus cases in your state, the government may begin to partially allow the opening of educational institutions.
Has the education sector suffered the most from Covid-19?
Education institutions are definitely the ones that suffered during the pandemic, but there has always been an option for online schooling and online classes for a lot of students. Many students not only took their classes online but also learnt how to take exams.
However, this option has not been available for many businesses such as travel and tourism, banking, retail shops etc. which have also suffered heavy losses because of the pandemic.
When there is an election, the government does not announce any lockdown, as if there is no danger of Corona. But when it comes to opening schools and colleges, Corona comes into picture. Don't children have any future? When will schools and colleges open?
It is difficult to comment on elections or the lockdown decisions because these are decided by the state and the central governments. Regarding the opening of schools and colleges, the government tried to do so partially when the first wave of Corona was over but once the second wave hit, schools had to be shut again.
The reason for schools and colleges to remain shut is that schools and colleges by their nature have large gatherings, multiplying the risk of infection spreading. Also in schools, it is hard to get all the children to follow the COVID appropriate behaviour. The only long-term solution for this is for all people to get vaccinated so that the risk of serious illness is eliminated.
As things are moving, schools and colleges might not fully open in the very near future. A staggered opening and online education will continue to be the way out right now until the majority of the county is vaccinated and safe.
The students, who have been promoted without giving an exam, will they be able to prepare themselves for the future?
Think about it like this – Only if one has life, can one have a future. Right now, health is a top priority for the government and exams cannot be conducted at the cost of life and health.
Once the situation stabilises the schools and colleges will reopen and the education authorities will try their best to ensure that any gaps in the education are covered.
Also an exam is only a test of our knowledge. It is more important to gain knowledge. Because it is knowledge that helps in the future, not the exam score.
Academic session is getting delayed due to covid. What will be done about this?
The reason for schools and colleges to remain shut is that schools and colleges by their nature have large gatherings, multiplying the risk of infection spreading. Also in schools, it is hard to get all the children to follow the COVID appropriate behaviour.
The only long-term solution for this is for all people to get vaccinated so that the risk of serious illness is eliminated. As things are moving, schools and colleges may not fully open in the very near future. A staggered opening and online education will continue to be the way out right now until the majority of the county is vaccinated and safe.
Yes, the academic sessions might get a little late. But remember this is not happening just to you. All the students in India and worldwide are sailing in the same boat. So everyone is in this together.
The government, organisations and NGOs are also working together to ensure that any gaps in education are addressed once the schools/colleges can be opened again. So just hang in there, stay strong, stay positive and this too shall pass. Focus on getting vaccinated soon and spreading awareness about vaccination. The sooner we all get vaccinated, the higher are the chances of schools and colleges reopening.
Online classes are not very effective. Would it impact our education?
Right now, health is the top priority for students, hence the online classes. Yes, we understand that they are not as good as going to school/college but given the current scenario, they are our best bet.Yes, the quality of education might get affected, but at least you are safe and at home.
A healthy body is required for a healthy mind. Even if you feel dissatisfied academically, please do not panic. You are not alone. All the students in India and worldwide are sailing in the same boat. So we are all in this together. So just hang in there, stay strong, stay positive and this too shall pass. You can surely cover up in the coming years.
The third wave of the pandemic is very dangerous for kids. How will the schools open?
First of all, there is no data to suggest that the third wave will hit children. This is a speculation. Also no one can confirm if there will be a third wave and if it does when it will occur. The decision to open schools will be taken by the government on the basis of infection spread rate.
If the infection spread falls to a really low level, the government will think about opening schools. Also, as more and more people get vaccinated, the risk of serious illness (hospitalisation and deaths) will also reduce, which will help the government to take a decision on opening the schools.
The government has so far been prioritising people’s health and so any future decision would continue to prioritise people’s health while balancing the need for also addressing the gaps in education. We can help by ensuring that everyone gets vaccinated and we continue to follow covid appropriate behaviour.
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