By Chantalé Fletcher
FULLY vaccinated forms one to three students may be returning to classes soon.
This according to Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly in the House of Representatives on Friday.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly said teachere were straddled with two systems which proved to be difficult, but reassured educators that this step would help in the process.
She said, “The second phase of re-opening was being considered at this time and if once all goes well, our forms one to three, vaccinated secondary school children will join their forms four to six peers in physical classes within the next two weeks.”
Dr Gadsby-Dolly said that those vaccinated stood a less chance of becoming grievously ill if exposed to Covid.
She said, “It’s not a way to penalise anybody’s children but a way to keep them safe as possible.”
Dr Gadsby-Dolly added that the government carried a responsibility to balance education and safety of all students.
She said, “Schools were closed in March 2020 to deal with the safety aspect while, remote and home-based learning was instituted to deal with the education aspect. However, to facilitate this home-based learning, the government was required to provide extension tools such as devices, connectivity, teacher training and mental health support.”
The minister said that Covid-19 has taken a toll on students, teachers and parents in the country.
She said, “Since 2020, 50,670 devices have been distributed to teachers and students where, 9, 023 went to teachers and 41,647 to students as 90% of these devices were delivered since September 2020.”
Dr Gadsby-Dolly also thanked the corporate sector for the delivery of over 23, 000 devices directly to students through the “Adopt a School” programme. In addition, the government which procured 20,000 devices which were distributed since June 2021.
She said, “Out of the $50 million allocated for devices, $45.7 million was spent procuring 20,000 laptops and the balance has been applied to the acquisition of the MiFi devices.”
Dr Gadsby-Dolly added that 60% of devices were distributed in one year that was given out in five years with the United National Congress (UNC).
