School closures have clear negative impacts on child health, education and development, family income and the overall economy.
The decision to reopen schools should include consideration of the following benefits:
Allowing students to complete their studies and continue to the next level
Essential services, access to nutrition, child welfare, such as preventing violence against children
Social and psychological well-being
Access to reliable information on how to keep themselves and others safe
Reducing the risk of non-return to school
Benefit to society, such as allowing parents to work
Post the School Opening the following should be the checklist
- Monitor your child’s health and keep them home from school if they are ill.
- Teach and model good hygiene practices for your children:
- Wash your hands with soap and safe water frequently. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.
- Ensure that safe drinking water is available and toilets or latrines are clean and available at home.
- Ensure waste is safely collected, stored and disposed of.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.
- Encourage your children to ask questions and express their feelings with you and their teachers. Remember that your child may have different reactions to stress; be patient and understanding.
- Prevent stigma by using facts and reminding students to be considerate of one another.
- Coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how you can support school safety efforts (though parent-teacher committees, etc),.