Govt accepts demand to reopen schools from August 30

Private school associations, teachers hold protests across province

KARACHI:

The leaders of private school associations, teachers, parents and students were out on the roads on Monday protesting against the Sindh government's decision of indefinite closure of schools in the province and demanding reopening of educational institutions from August 30.

Meanwhile, Sindh education minister has announced opening of those schools from August 30 which are fully vaccinated against coronavirus. A protest rally was held at KDA Chowrangi, North Nazimabad by Grand Alliance of Private Schools which was attended by private school owners, teachers, parents and students besides the leaders of associations.

The protestors, holding placards, also chanted slogans. All Sindh Private Schools Management Association chairman Tariq Shah said the private schools will practically arrange outdoor classes in case of not opening of schools. "We are compelled to take to the streets because of the decision by Sindh government," he said. Meanwhile, school owners said when all other departments could be opened with observance of SOPs then why the schools could not.

"We cannot allow concession in fees as we have to pay salaries to our staff," they argued. The parents said the government should reopen schools as the schools were receiving full fee but the education was not being imparted. Subsequently, the Directorate of Private Institutes Sindh asked leaders of Private Schools Associations to have negotiations. The meeting was attended by representatives of the private schools association as well as registrar private institutions Rafia Mallah.

Talking to media after meeting, Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah said the private institutions were the worst affected during the pandemic. "We want all the teaching and non-teaching staff should be vaccinated," he said, adding the schools whose staff were 100 per cent vaccinated shall be opened from Monday, August 30.

The minister said the government did not want repeated closure of schools. "We want to create awareness among the parents that the vaccination against coronavirus is a must," he said, adding the issues of private schools associations were also heard during the meeting. The minister further said the schools will remain open for six-days a week and random PCR tests will be done.

He said the parents will have to submit their coronavirus vaccination certificate in the respective schools and their CNIC numbers to the school owners who would check their vaccination entry in the NADRA records. Shah said that the private schools associations had also made the demand for vaccinated staff to be allowed to come in and plan lessons for the upcoming week.

"So we have allowed that teaching and non-teaching staff that is vaccinated can be called in from tomorrow to prepare for next week," he said. He said the decision to extend the closure of schools in the province by a week was taken in light of the advice given by the health department.