Private schools’ body opposes closure

APPSCA says prolonged winter vacation, changing exam schedule to affect students

ISLAMABAD:

Educational institutions around the world are being kept open despite the second wave of novel coronavirus, whereas government of Pakistan is considering closing schools, said All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA) Central President Malik Abrar Hussain. The educational institutions across the globe are following the World Health Organisation (WHO) advisory, but in Pakistan the government is bent upon imposing an extended winter vacation, Hussain said addressing a press conference.

Closure of educational institutions is unfeasible and unworkable the APPSCA president said asserting that in case of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) urgency, quarantine period should be completed by closing educational institutions from December 15 to January 5. Addressing the press conference, Hussain said that irreparable educational and financial loss has already taken place due to long closure of educational institutions. Private educational institutions are fully complying with SOPs announced by the government.

The cooperation of private educational institutions has been appreciated by NCOC, Ministry of Education and the prime minister. In extreme circumstances, educational institutions should not be closed before December 15 and the winter vacation period should be shortened. The academic session should not be delayed, it will be difficult to conduct examinations in hot and humid days in backward and remote areas of the country. Thousands of educational institutions have already been shut down due to the long closure during the lockdown. Many institutions are facing financial problems while no relief package has been given by the government. If the government wants to close schools, relief packages should also be provided to private educational institutions.