Parents Push For Face-To-Face Learning To Resume

As students started the new year in a virtual school setting, a group of parents is urging the Ministry of Education to reconsider its position on face-to-face learning.

This group of concerned parents is advocating for schools to resume face-to-face classes and for the government to allow parents to decide if they want to send their children to school. Scott Saunders suggested that if businesses remain open, school campuses shouldn’t be closed.

He was joined by another parent, Laureen Singh, who referenced a UNICEF article which opined that schools should be the last to close and the first to reopen.

The international organization, which has campaigned for the reopening of schools insisted that school closures have led to reduced physical activity and poor diets, increased levels of anxiety and self-harm, and exposure to domestic violence.

Like many countries, The Bahamas has seen an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks. Since December 27th, more than 2500 cases have been confirmed.

It prompted education officials to postpone the resumption of in-person learning, for at least two weeks. However, these parents say students’ education isn’t the only thing at risk.