Thousands of children in more than 2,000 schools will not reopen for the second term today. The Ministry of Education said their schools and related infrastructure have been badly damaged by floods.
The government must ensure that the welfare and education of these vulnerable children are prioritised.
Its commitment to providing resources for the quick repair of classrooms is a step in the right direction.
However, the children need more comprehensive support.
Immediate assistance should be provided to their families, ensuring access to shelter, clean water and healthcare. Additionally, psychosocial support services must be made available to help children cope with the trauma and uncertainty caused by the disaster.
The repairs to damaged infrastructure, provision of temporary learning spaces and access to educational resources for both students and teachers should be expedited.
The plans to extend the second term to make up for lost time, particularly for Form 4 candidates and candidates in junior secondary schools, are commendable.
Once schools reopen, the government must provide what these students need to remain in school and make up for the lost time.
Only by standing together and prioritising the most vulnerable among us can we build a more resilient and inclusive society.
Quote of the day: “No one ever accepts criticism so cheerfully. Neither the man who utters it nor the man who invites it really means it.”
R.K. Narayan
The Indian writer and novelist died on May 13, 2001
