Children must not return to school

The world is faced with a deadly virus (Covid-19) and all functioning systems have been affected. Since the breakout, we all have been anxious as to what will happen to us and our beloved children. When our land recorded 2 cases, the president ordered a lock down. Most businesses closed down and schools were closed. During the lockdown, our beloved teachers prepared weekly activity booklets for our children to keep busy at home. At the current recorded 24 Covid-19 cases, the government has oredered schools to resume with face-to-face teaching and learning. The government is telling us to send our children back to school, make sure they have masks, train them in executing social distancing and regularly wash their hands under running water for at least 20 seconds. They further state that they will not be held responsible should a learner contract Covid-19 at school. We are also expected to sign a Covid-19 idemnity form. This is outrages! Why does it feel like the rhinos are protected more than our children in the land of the brave.

In light of the above, we have the following questions/concerns.

1. Our children are expected to wear masks throughout the schoolday. How healthy is this?

2. Will learners with underlying conditions be permitted to work from home? If so, how will assessment tasks be facilitated?

3. We visit our children's schools on regular basis, we see how overcrowded the classrooms are. How will social distancing be executed?

4. Why should I take responsibility for a sickness contracted at school?

5. Why is the government acting as if education is more importanrt than the lives of the Namibian child?

6. Walvisbay is under stage 1 lockdown, and we are expected to continue with school in all the other regions. Are we being fair to the children in Walvisbay? 

7. Some of our kids stay in hostels and they share rooms with many other learners. How will social distancing be executed in hostels?

8. Some schools do not have running water. How will personal hygiene be exercised?

9. We would rather have our children miss a year of education than risk their lives.

10. The institutions of higher learning (UNAM) postponed the partial return of students. What seems to be reason behind government forcing our children to return to school? This looks like a self enrichment scheme.

11. Allow us to please highlight that good health and wellbeing, quality education, clean water and sanitation and reduced inequalities are some of the the Sustainable Development Goals of Education in Namibia.

12. We did not request in writing for schools to reopen. Why are we being forced to sign Covid-19 idemnity forms?

13. Remember, education is a right and not a privillege. Therefore, our children will only return to school once we as parents feel that it is safe to send them back to school. No one will force us to do otherwise and we refuse to sign any incriminating documents. 

Concerned parents    Contact the author of the petition