Region Three schools adapting to ‘new normal’

Secondary Schools in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) have already fallen in line with the ‘new normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar, on Monday, visited the Parika-Salem, Zeeburg, Uitvlugt and Leonora secondary schools to assess students and teachers’ adjustment to measures put in place to facilitate classroom instruction.

“Everywhere we went, generally, all of the protocols established for schools were in place. There was a washing station, there were sanitisers, all the children got their care packages and everybody had masks on, all the facilities, the HM everybody was out. When we spoke to the students, they said they did not feel that the environment is not conducive for them,” Minister Indar told DPI.

At the schools, the Minister reminded students of the need to observe all the preventative guidelines to curb transmission of the disease.

“I am happy to see you all out. It has been a long time that the doors of our schools have been shut. Our Government decided to at least open schools in at least a phased manner, so that social distancing can be achieved in light of a pandemic. But we are asking everybody to observe all protocols set out,” he told the seniors at the Parika- Salem Secondary School.

At Zeeburg Secondary, a mist tunnel was set up for students and teachers, while masks, face shields and hand sanitisers were distributed.

Headteacher, Ms. Bonita Blair said her school had a fairly good turnout today. The teachers have also been very co-operative, she said.

At the time of the Minister’s visit, teachers and parents were sorting out the learning packages for the Grades Seven t0 Nine students.

At the Leonora Secondary, Headteacher, Ms. Faye Gittens, said her students received their care packages, which included sanitisers, masks and face shields. She said students and teachers are observing the pandemic preventative measures and she believes that once this continues, they will remain safe.

Secondary schools across Guyana reopened their doors on Monday for in-person sessions to facilitate students preparing for examinations in the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grades.