Covid-19 and the reopening of African schools
COVID-19 cases are on a rise in Africa. As per the witting of this article, confirmed cases stood at 24.6 million. 16 Million People have so far recovered from the virus. The continent fatality rate stands at 835 people. All schools in Africa were closed indefinitely with the registration of the COVID-19 cases in all African countries. The World Health Organization issued guidelines on a safe reopening of schools. The guidelines stated that government must provide relevant information to children on how to protect themselves. Schools are also instructed to provide hand washing points and promote hygiene. There should be the cleaning and disinfecting of schools with an improved airflow and ventilation. They say that the effects of children staying at home are much worse than the Corona Virus.
Many schools remain closed up to date. Malawi is set to reopen schools on September 7 only for classes sitting for national examinations. South Africa reopened their schools on June 8 for Grade 7 and 12 students. All their students returned to school on August 25. Ghana schools reopened on June 12. Tanzania was the first East African country to reopen school on June 29. Nigeria Schools reopened on 4th August. Ivory Coast opened their schools on May 25. Kenya has set to reopen schools in January 2021 subject to the flattening of the COVID-19 curve. In fourteen African countries schools remain closed. Nineteen other countries have partially reopened their schools for students sitting for their national examinations. Twelve schools are planning to reopen on September. A report by the World Health Organization stated that the impact of closure of schools goes beyond learning in institutions into homes. The Eastern and Southern parts of Africa have registered an increase in the cases of violence against children. More than 10 million students are missing school meals leading to reduced nutrition. Early teen pregnancy and child labor cases are other effects brought by the children staying at home.
Photo credit: UNICEF / Frank Dejongh
By Samson Ogaye
Africa Global News Publication
