Re-open schools when physical distancing is no longer necessary – FTU

The Fiji Teachers Union is calling on the Ministry of Education to only resume face to face classes when physical distancing is no longer necessary.

FTU General Secretary Agni Deo Singh says they all want children to come back to school as soon as possible however the protocols laid out by the Ministry of Health will not be possible to adhere to, considering the number of classrooms in a school.

Singh says Year 12 and 13 students occupied a few more classrooms when they returned to schools last year to ensure physical distancing was maintained.

He says this will not be possible when all students are back in school as there are no additional classrooms.

Singh adds wearing of masks is not going to be easy in primary schools and teachers will have a big challenge to implement it.

He also says many students will be travelling to schools by buses and they will be exposed to the virus as there is an escalation of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Singh says with children below the age of 12 not vaccinated at all, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education need to weigh their options carefully as they do not want children to contract the virus.

Some parents have also contacted us and asked if their children will be safe in classrooms and whether the schools will maintain the 2 metres distancing.

They have asked how all students will fit in a classroom if they will be made to sit 2 metres away from each other as there may be space issues.

According to the Safe School Re-opening Guideline which was released to all heads of schools in October 2021, all staff and students are to wear masks during school hours and breaks.

It also stated that social distancing has to be maintained in the classrooms especially in the sitting arrangements as much as possible.

We have sent questions to the Minister for Education Premila Kumar and the Permanent Secretary for Education Dr Anjeela Jokhan on these issues. They are yet to respond to our questions.

Year 8 to 13 students will start school tomorrow and Early Childhood Education to Year 7 students will start school next Monday.