By Sue-Ann Wayow
MINISTER of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly spent her Monday morning visiting several schools as a new batch of pupils attended physical classes for the first time in two years and as the Covid-19 pandemic rages on.
Standard Five pupils and Forms One to Three pupils regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status began physical classes on Monday.
Photos of the minister’s visits were posted on the Ministry of Education’s Facebook page.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly, Minister in the Ministry of Education Lisa Morris-Julian and other ministry officials took a step into the Lakshmi Girls Hindu College, El Dorado West Secondary School, l Socorro South Government Primary School, Lower Morvant Government Primary School, Laventille Girls Government Primary School.
The minister met and chatted with pupils and staff during the visits.
On Sunday, Dr Gadsby-Dolly had issued a “back to school” message to the pupils and parents via a Facebook video post.
The minister said she has had many reactions on the reopening of physical schools for the lower forms including happiness, anxiety and fear and she was understanding of all.
She said, “I want to reassure all our parents, that we at the Ministry of Education has been making preparation to ensure all our children go out to school safely.”
The minister said while masking for children was debatable, it was the next strongest measure other than vaccination to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Safety is paramount. We do not want our children to take unnecessary risks.”
And Dr Gadsby-Dolly encouraged parents to remind their children of the health and safety protocols as they go back out to school which included the wearing a mask, washing of the hands and social distancing.
