Dear Editor,

I APPLAUD the government and the Ministry of Education for moving to in-school learning. So far only schools for lower grades are open. Learning loss has been a big fallout of the pandemic crisis. School closures and remote learning can’t continue indefinitely.

On line, remote learning is not a substitute for in-person learning with regular connections to other students and teachers. Plus, many children have been excluded from on-line classes due to the digital divide – some can’t afford the devices or the cost of Internet. Some can’t get connected to Internet even when it is affordable. Children who can’t connect with Internet are at a disadvantage.

In fact, in a survey I recently conducted, parents complain that their kids are not learning much through Internet. They need in-person instruction. The survey shows that most parents want schools to reopen. Most students also want to return to school, having recognised the limitation of remote learning. Most teachers want to go back to their normal professional role of imparting knowledge. Some teachers prefer to continue online or remote teaching because it is like a continuous vacation at home, where they can do their personal chores.

In addition, the sight of children going to school evokes normalcy in a society. Our children’s lives are centred on schools, and the learning, the routine, playfulness, being with peers, and fun that come with it. Eighteen months from regular schooling has taken its toll on kids as well as on the education system.

As an educator of 40 years, I can say that children miss critical developmental milestones not being in regular attendance in schools. Children, staff, parents, and students suffer mental illness from closure of schools. It is time to get back to normalcy, especially since COVID-19 will be around for a long time. We will have to adjust our lives to COVID-19. Government should move towards full re-opening for all students providing it is safe for all stakeholders.

The U.S. has moved to in-school learning as have other countries. A federal court ruled against New York City Teachers Union that appealed a ruling of a lower court agreeing with government’s mandate on teachers’ vaccination. In NY, if you don’t vaccinate, except for religious or health reasons, you cannot teach. The ruling was put on hold until last Friday when the court threw out the case.

The Teachers Union indicated that it would appeal to the Supreme Court. I think the Supreme Court will side with the government – the state has power to restrict rights during an emergency. The pandemic is an emergency. In fact, teachers would lose their jobs in New York if not vaccinated. In Guyana as in the U.S., increasing numbers of people are being vaccinated, although the COVID infection rate and deaths have been rising in Guyana. The government’s prioritisation of vaccination for educators and students is being praised.

Teachers and students should take the vaccines. Government should enforce its policy on mandatory vaccination for teachers with exceptions for religion and medical issues. This would make it possible to implement in-person teaching for all students and staff. Of course, government or the ministry must provide a safe environment for stakeholders and stakeholders must be assured of a safe reopening.

Yours truly,
Brian James