Schools
have never been closed for such a prolonged period of time. Children are not
only staying to their homes, but they are also scared of this unknown
contagious disease COVID-19. Parents are anxious and overprotective of their
children. Families in the lower and middle classes are concerned about losing
their jobs. Children are scared of such situations, and there is no one to whom
they can look for guidance and support. Many families experienced depression
and mental health is now a big concern in globally. Some families could not
afford to stay in the cities and were forced to retire to their native villages
with their children. Many that attend urban government or low-cost private
schools will now enroll in a rural school. Teachers, too, are going through a
difficult time; many have lost their jobs. They are not sure whether they will
be able to stay their profession, and the most concerning aspect is the ongoing
uncertainty about the reopening of the school.
There
is an immediate need to arrange workshops for teachers to encourage them to
support children as one of the first steps before schools reopen. Rather than
immediately jumping into teaching, both schools and teachers would have to
facilitate structured interactions with children, listen to them, consider
their concerns and worries, and provide a nurturing and caring environment.
There is also a need to train teachers to facilitate effective teaching
programs in order to help children remember and re-establish a learning rhythm.
Children from well-off private schools may have had the ability to learn
through online classes, children from poor, middle-class, and working-class
families do not have that opportunity. Many children may not even have
access to the government-organized TV classes. Another risk for children is
dropping out, and girls could be more vulnerable. It is important to identify
vulnerable students, support them and their families, and inspire them to
continue their education.
The
role of the teachers in the post COVID-19 phase would have to be multi-faceted;
they will need to become counsellors, friends, shoulders to cry on, and
sensitive caregivers. Teachers need help and support in regaining the
confidence of parents and the community around the school. This pandemic has
not only been an unimaginable tragedy for all of our children, but it can also
provide us with a new reset button to reimagine the school, allow teachers more
accountability, provide on-demand assistance to them, and most importantly,
make our schools more caring, nurturing, and lively environments where children
feel safe and happy.
Contributor: Khelna Bank
Email: khelnabank@gmail.com
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