By Guest Author: Hawwa Shaheena Mohamed
The COVID-19 pandemic shook us to the core. The terror that ran through our nerves still remains fresh. The pain and frustrations of being locked down in the cages can never be forgotten. Currently, the Maldives is continuing to see a low number of confirmed cases and a positive response to social distancing measures. Dr. Aishath Ali, Minister of Education has announced on June 15, 2020, that as part of the easing of restrictions applied under the COVID-19 response, schools will commence a phased return to regular schooling from July 01, 2020.
Minister Dr. Aishath Ali explained the importance of the re-opening of schools. She said that schools are not only a place for studies but rather a place where students engage with friends and build a social life. Besides, she highlighted that schools are the only secure place for some students and therefore, it is very important to provide the space for these young children. The regular schooling will commence in three categories; the islands in full lockdown status will not start school until the lockdown is eased, the islands in monitoring status will resume school for students of Grade 9 and above, and the islands with no cases will open the school for all the students. All the schools will follow the restrictive measures and adhere to the guidelines by the Ministry of Education and HPA.
Some parents who are already in a struggle of managing the children inside the four walls will take this news as a ray of hope. However, others will choose to keep the children at home due to uncertainty or fear. Several teenagers are concerned with the decision, as they will be the first to resume school. “Our classrooms are so small and with the exposure to just one positive case, we will lose the benefit of staying indoors for such a long period,” a student from the 10th grade of Ahmadiyya International School expressed his concern.
An ongoing poll published in Mihaaru online news, out of 3357 people who voted (as of June 23, 2020, 2200hrs) for the question “if schools re-open in Greater Male’ area”; 63% voted for “it is too quick, will not send”, 18% voted for “will send” and 19% voted for “difficult to decide”
Starting school or starting a new school year can be stressful for some students at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. The best thing to do in this situation is to learn, teach, and adopt measures that can help the children mitigate the risk of getting the virus. This is the right time to get children’s’ mindsets ready for the reopening. Below are five important tips for parents suggested by Aminath Ismail, Living Value Educations Trainer, and the founding president of the NGO; Hand in Hand.
Starting school or starting a new school year can be stressful for some students at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. The best thing to do in this situation is to learn, teach, and adopt measures that can help the children mitigate the risk of getting the virus. This is the right time to get children’s’ mindsets ready for the reopening. Below are five important tips for parents suggested by Aminath Ismail, Living Value Educations Trainer, and the founding president of the NGO; Hand in Hand.
- Make children feel at ease by having an open conversation about what is worrying them and letting them know that it is natural to feel anxious. Educate children well on why they stayed at home. The reason was to protect from viruses, so explain the ways on how they can still protect throughout the new-normal lifestyle. Explain this process over a week or two. It is very important not to overload them with information in one session.
- The children will be very dependent and attached to parents due to the long stay at home. It is advisable not to detach them suddenly. Get involved with other things, simultaneously giving them quality time. This time could be spent with the children at different times of the day.
- Take the children out with the parents (as and when allowed) and show them by example and discussion on how to take preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing the mask and washing hands. Let them enjoy nature and play around with the mask, in the presence of the parent. Help them to build their confidence to live with the new normal guidelines. Additionally, let them wash their hands often at home. Teach and practice with them how to sneeze and cough to the elbow. Remind them about their role in preventing the spread of the virus.
- Some children will be nervous to wear protective masks and be in school. They may also get upset or frustrated if they are finding it hard to wear masks, especially when running or playing. Reassure children that safety measures are in place to keep students and teachers healthy. Approach this conversation with empathy, saying that you know he/she is feeling anxious about coronavirus and the preventive measures, but that it is healthy to talk about her worries and emotions. You can reassure him/her that lots of adults are working hard to keep the family safe. Also, emphasize that it is important that we all follow the recommended measures to take care of more vulnerable members of our community.
- At the end of the day ask the children how they felt about the trip to the beach or visit to the grocery shop. Listen to them carefully by Active Listening. Check if they had any fears or insecurities. Additionally, ask about their feelings during the day while they are in different activities. Build their self-esteem by showing your love and confidence in them.
By being proactive and preparing in advance will help any mental pressure that might arise in the future. Be the support and self-confidence booster for your child. If you are having any questions or insecurities, get help from the help desks or counselors and prepare the child in advance.
About the Author: Hawwa Shaheena Mohamed is a Certified Executive, Team & Life Coach, Corporate, and a Living Value Education trainer. Currently, she is developing her business as the CEO of Career Vitamin International Pvt ltd and contributing to society through the Career Vitamin Society.
