General Education Minister says the decision to reopen non-examination classes cannot be made without the guidance from the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Dennis Wanchinga said reopening of schools normally in the third term which begins on 14th September 2020, will require putting a number of measures in place which are beyond the current situation in the schools.
Dr. Wanchinga stated that the Ministry will have to ensure that all the health measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks and regular washing of hands by all learners are observed.
He however said it is the Ministry’s hope that the decision will be made before the second term begins.
“This is a matter we have taken very seriously, it is our fervent hope that we open when schools open on 14th September. But that decision cannot be made in isolation of the guidance from the Ministry of Health. Opening schools normally on 14th September will require putting in place a number of measures which are beyond the current situation in the schools.”
“For instance, how will we be able to ensure that there will be social distancing in schools? How will we ensure that every child is protected in terms of wearing a mask and washing hands with soap? How will we be able to ensure that children will be able to make up for the lost time? These are questions we are asking ourselves and it’s our hope that perhaps before 14th September we should be able to make a decision,” Dr. Wanchinga said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wanchinga said government has reduced the holiday times for pupils to two weeks, starting from 28th August to 14th September, 2020, and that this is expected to continue even in the coming year.
He added that this is in a bid to recover the time lost when learners were staying at home, following the unexpected closure of schools due to Covid-19.