Are Educational Institutions in Pakistan Reopening From The Coming Week?
After being shut for almost 7 months, Pakistan has made the decision of slowly reopening its educational institutes- however, uncertainty remains.
Federal Education Minister, Shafqat Mahmood, announced that after approximately seven months, all educational institutions will re-open from September 15 after carefully examining the Covid-19 status in the country. This decision was taken after a conference was held on September 7 where inter-provincial education ministers were present.
Some of the decisions made in the press conference include a statement that students in the grade 9 – university level are to return to their institutions from September 15 however, grades 6-8 are set to return on September 23 after further nationwide evaluation regarding the number of cases. Furthermore, if the situation remains under control, primary level educational institutes have been scheduled to resume from September 30.
Although the notification applies to all educational institutions, parents and students have shown concerns regarding this decision whereas some are completely satisfied with it. With an estimate of over 300,000 confirmed cases in Pakistan, the threat of catching the virus is still high.
Schools have been notified that if they do not follow the standard operating procedures, strict action will be taken against them. Shafqat has further said that even though this decision was a particularly challenging one, it is in the best interests of the youth. Moreover, this was deduced with the consultation of experts, think tanks, the stakeholders and school administrations. Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on National Health Dr Faisal Sultan also attested to this affirming that this decision was reached with critical review.
School administrations have a lot of pressure resting upon their shoulders as the health of hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of students are in their hands. If the given SOPs aren’t carefully abided by, not only will the decision have to be reverted, the resentment that they will have to face from parents and guardians will be disastrous and challenging.
Minister for School Education Dr Murad Raas in a tweet restated the aforementioned decisions made in the press conference adding that all educational institutions would follow the alternative day schedule according to which 50% of total students would come to school one day while the remaining 50% would attend the next day. Double shifts in one day have been strictly prohibited.
Despite these clear directions many people still fear sending their children to schools as the risk of exposing them to so many people is high and could terribly affect the health of children. Furthermore, A-Level institutions haven’t been addressed. A-Level institutes have different timetables for all students hence there students are entering and exiting throughout the day.
In light of this concern, many administrations have decided to give their students an option of either resuming physical classes or continuing online education. In addition, other schools have decided to only call those students who are studying subjects that require them to be on campus for directed learning. These include practical laboratory classes and art classes.
On Monday the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) issued guidelines for the parents for sending their children to schools. In any case whatsoever, all students have to wear a surgical mask at all times on campus. Furthermore, parents are advised to stay alert by making sure not to send their children to school if they show any symptoms of COVID-19. Deliberate concealment and the act of misleading the authorities is an act of willful negligence and life-threatening as the health of hundreds of students is at stake. This will lead to further positive cases and casualties, something Pakistan cannot afford especially since it has just recently been recognized and regarded by the WHO for its commendable efforts to deal ideally with the pandemic.
The following couple of weeks are quite crucial for Pakistan as all educational institutes will be determining whether they can open their campuses to more students. Meanwhile, they will continue to monitor the situation on campus when students arrive in their specified slots.
About Us:
Runway Pakistan is a complete solution provider for all your marketing communications related requirements. The ultimate hub of infotainment – Runway composes of all the key offerings – Monthly Print Magazine, Digital Magazine, Media Production, Creative Agency, PR Agency and Marketing Consultancy that a brand needs to be seen, heard, and known!
Like and follow our Facebook page:
Runway Pakistan