• Teachers should strive to change the learners’ mindset about wearing masks.
• Learners are putting on masks only when they are in the presence of their teachers.
• There is a high chance of contracting the virus by the children because they only have the masks on for a short period of time.

Zambia National Educations Coalition (ZANEC) has advised teachers in all learning institutions to strive and change the mindset of learners to help them understand the importance of adhering to the guideline of masking up.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, ZANEC Executive Director George Hamusunga says it has been noted that learners are putting on masks only when they are in the presence of their teachers for fear of punishment.
“Something cardinal that has not been happening and which needs urgent attention is that we need to ensure that the masking up of learners is done on their way to and from school,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of the schools to ensure that they change the mindset of learners so that they can adhere to COVID 19 regulations and guidelines.”
Mr. Hamusunga said this poses a great risk of contracting the virus by the children because they only have the masks on for a short period of time.
“Even if we provide the preventive materials such as masks, wash points, sanitizers, we will have massive problems if the mindset does not change,” he added.
He further stated that there is need to ensure that no schools are opened to learners without being certified ready for opening.