Primary schools reopen today after long hiatus

Over 3.5m children to resume studies after six-month hiatus

PESHAWAR:

After a six month hiatus, primary schools are set to reopen today (Wednesday) across the province.

Over 3.5 million children will resume their studies in classrooms while observing strict novel coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines.

This was announced by the provincial government on Tuesday, which had earlier reopened higher education institutions and senior classes on September 15. Students from grades six to eight were allowed to return to school from September 23.

Primary School Teachers Association President Azizullah Khan said that due to a large number of students in each primary class, around 100 each, it will be difficult to follow the novel coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs), however, they will make all possible efforts to implement the guidelines.

Azizullah added that arrangements have been made for students to maintain social distancing, wear masks and sanitise or wash their hands regularly.

The SOPs issued by the government in this regard would be maintained, he said.

The government has directed the school heads and district education officers to ensure implementation of SOPs in public and private schools.

The classes for sixth, seventh and eighth grade were resumed last week in the second phase of the government’s reopening of educational institutions.

The decision for reopening educational institutions was taken on September 7 day by the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference after thoroughly analysing regional and global trends of the outbreak.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2020.