PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has expressed deep concern over the academic challenges faced by children due to COVID-19 and has tasked Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, with finding solutions to these issues.

During an address to the nation from State House, President Ali said children have not been academically engaged in the traditional way since March, 2020, and the impact of non-traditional school structures is challenging.

He noted that the unavailability of resources and infrastructure for children, especially in the hinterland, children with disabilities and children without access to data or the Internet have to be addressed.

“I have directed Minister Manickchand to develop a plan to address the delivery of education to our children in a COVID-19 environment. After consultation with various stakeholders, it was decided that schools were not in a position, from a public health, infrastructure and facilities standpoint, to facilitate a re-opening in September,” the President said.

He said the education minister has been asked to implement a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring children and teachers remain engaged in learning while $500M will be made available to equip schools and provide support services and facilities for children and teachers.

“The ultimate goal is to have our schools in a state of readiness at the earliest. In the interim, the ministry has been tasked to put infrastructure in place for the delivery of the curriculum via the learning channel, state radio broadcasting and privately-owned media houses,” President Ali noted.