Schools plan outdoor classes protesting ‘indefinite’ closures

A representative body of private schools has announced a 'save education drive' to push for the resumption of academic activities. Meanwhile, the Sindh education department has decided to take action against private schools and their owners who have opened their institutions in violation of the provincial government's decision. Sources said the registration of such schools will be cancelled.

Classes on the streets

In a statement on Sunday, the private schools' association announced its decision to hold outdoor classes if campuses are not permitted to open. The statement apprised that school administrations will be starting a 'save education movement' by introducing outdoor schooling from today (Monday). All-Private Schools Management Association leader Tariq Shah said: "We are starting the outdoor classes from Monday."He said in this connection a protest will also be held at KDA Chowrangi in North Nazimabad near the Hyderi Market on Monday at 09.30am.

The representative said that due to the lockdown imposed by the government, private schools are compelled to shift the education system to outdoor schooling. "The education system is going on all over the country except for Sindh," he lamented, asking why only the children of Sindh were deprived of education. "The decision by the Sindh government to close the education instructions until further orders is casting doubts."

Warning letter

School Education and Literacy Department Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions DG Dr Mansoob Hussain Siddiqui issued a notification on Sunday.

He said: "You are hereby directed to complete vaccination of all teaching and non-teaching, administrative staff and also complete necessary arrangements for the full implementation of the Covid-19 SOPs before the reopening of schools," the notification read.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2021.