There is much need for concern, as COVID-19 has significantly affected the level of learning for children, and, more so, the high dropout rate.
The worrying rate was revealed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who said only a few days ago that, at the primary level, at least 1000 children have dropped out of school due to the pandemic.
At the same time, at the secondary school level, many students who had already signed up to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) were a no show for the exams.
“In this last year, we tried very hard and in difficult circumstances to continue engaging our children. Yet, we have seen significant learning loss. Yet, we have seen dropouts at the primary level…. We are beginning to see and feel tangibly the effects of this school closure that have been predicted by UNESCO,” Manickchand said in response to the continuous rise in school dropouts.
“We can’t afford to lose our children. We simply can’t. It would be us dooming them to a life of poverty and hardship. Because we all know that the one sure way to be comfortable and have plenty and be able to hear, understand and interpret things for oneself; the only sure way, is through a solid education.”
The rate of dropouts brought on by the pandemic has to be curtailed, and quick measures must be devised and executed to bring this under control, even as some schools which were recently opened to face-to-face learning had to be closed due to some teachers testing positive for COVID-19.
Significantly, the Minister did say that the Ministry is finding ways to curtail the learning loss by working along with the relevant stakeholders to find ways to safely engage children, as the pandemic is going nowhere.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the operation of the education systems of most countries in the world, including Guyana, since, generally, their curricula is delivered in face-to-face classrooms, where the probability of transmitting the virus increases exponentially. There is no doubt that the Education Ministry, and by extension the Government, has done a remarkable job in terms of preparing for the reopening of schools and for learning to continue for students across the country, and now the full reopening of schools. It was only last month that President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the global situation with children being out of school is indeed “frightening”.
To quote President Ali: “Many countries are already giving frightening reports in terms of the impact. I’ve been travelling around this country, and I know I’ve seen children who ought to be in school, they are out of the system. So, we have to get back to school…to create the conditions to ensure that we get back to school, and that is what we are aiming for.”
No one should underestimate the level of planning and the kind of resources that are needed to ensure that academic learning continues and students and teachers are safe in these challenging times. The Ministry of Education must be commended for the work it has done to ensure learning continues. It should be noted that Guyana is one of the few developing countries in the world to have given safety kits to students and teachers, in spite of the scarcity of resources.
That said, in light of the changes that are being made due to COVID-19, educators would have to adapt and find innovative ways very quickly, and ensure that students are not left behind, and reach out to those who have dropped out. The failure of students must not be an option, hence the important role of the head teachers, regional education officials, and even parents.
Through effective leadership, coupled with sound management, head teachers and their senior staff must be able to cope with the changes that are being forced upon us, in order to effectively transform the performance of students.
Good managers know that planning and organisation are critical to success, and it is important that every school adopts this approach. The best performing schools often have better organised and prepared teachers. Also, parents must not leave their children’s education to teachers and the Education Ministry alone.
