by Ndalimpinga Iita
WINDHOEK, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- At a primary school in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, learners attentively listened to their teacher Frieda Ndapewa. Ndapewa, a teacher at Havana Primary School, explained to learners the rules and protocols to be observed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on school grounds.
"There are several preventative measures put in place such as cohorts, the grouping of learners and social distancing," she said Tuesday.
Learners in primary grades countrywide on Tuesday returned to school for face-to-face classes for the 2021 calendar year.
As part of preparedness, schools provide sanitisation, check the learners' temperature, first aid and emergency room. Some schools have also incorporated infographics written in a child-friendly language to promote safety and hygiene in schools.
According to Ndapewa, awareness is provided to reinforce health protocols and caution amongst learners in light of high spirit and excitement to reunite with school mates.
"As learners return, they are also excited to reunite with their friends, some of whom they had not seen in a long time. They would want to hug, hold hands and play close, which poses a health risk. But we remain hopeful for the better," said the grade primary school teacher.
Meanwhile, the learners are excited to reunite with fellow learners and teachers.
"I missed my friends so much. I look forward to learning together even though we cannot touch one another," said Eveline David, a grade six learner.
For Rowe Gowases, a primary school learner, she missed her teachers.
"Our teachers are very good to us, and they teach us many things. I am so happy to be back at school," she said.
Yet, despite the high hopes for a prosperous academic year, some educators and learners defined the return to school as a bittersweet reunion, sparked by fear amid the second wave of COVID-19.
"Cases are spiralling and due to the interactive nature of a school environment. As much as we are excited to receive the learners, we are afraid of COVID-19 infections," said Hilma Ndeshipanda, a teacher at Omhokolo Combined School in Ohangwena region in the northern part of Namibia.
So far Namibia has recorded 32,650 confirmed cases, with 30,270 recoveries and 319 deaths.
To avert fears, Anna Nghipondoka, minister of Education, Arts and Culture, said that the government had various mechanisms to ensure implementation in schools and preparedness.
In the first instance, according to her, the ministry provided guidelines to schools, health and safety regulations, budget allocation, and technical support.
"Majority of the schools, accounting for nearly 90 percent re-opened, and learners were well-received. The ministry continuously extends support to schools struggling mainly with the sanitation facilities or any other challenges," Nghipondoka said.
In her new school year message broadcast on national television, the minister said that government is hopeful for a better year, particularly following disruptions to the education system during the 2020 school year.
"We are optimistic that we will thrive in the provision of quality and equitable education despite the challenges posed by spiralling cases of COVID-19," said Nghipondoka.
Additionally, Nghipondoka said that the government remains committed to embracing online and distance education, which is critical in ensuring that learners do not lag and that education provision evolves gradually.
In the interim, labor unions have welcomed the move to re-open schools, said Loide Shaanika, secretary-general for Namibia National Teachers Union.
"The provision of education and simultaneous fight against the spread of COVID-19 requires collaborative efforts and adherence. We lend on hope and pro-activeness in rendering support to teachers in the delivery of education to learners. Education remains a transformative pillar for social development," Shaanika said. Enditem
