Low turnout in Reg 2 as schools reopen for face-to-face learning

Grade Six and all secondary school students with an exception of Form One did not turn out as expected in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as physical teaching commenced on Monday.

Guyana Times visited several primary and secondary schools throughout the region and was informed that the turnout at most schools was poorer than expected.

Among the schools visited were Aurora Primary School, Aurora Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary and, Queenstown Primary. At Queenstown Primary School and Aurora Primary School, the turnout was very poor and teachers believe that it is because of the spike in COVID-19 cases.
“I think the attendance here in Queenstown Primary School is very poor because of the deadly virus. Many parents do not want to send their child to school because they are very concerned about their health,” a teacher explained.
Meanwhile, a student, Khamraj Singh, said he is very excited and happy to return to school for face-to-face learning.
“I am very happy that school has opened this year because I would be able to learn and pursue my secondary education. I didn’t get a chance to sit in my Form One classroom and receive teaching but nevertheless, I understand it’s because of the pandemic. I am happy that the Ministry of Education has decided for school to reopen and we as the students will adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines in our classes,” Singh said.
During a visit at Aurora Secondary School, the Fourth and Fifth Forms saw an average attendance of about 20 students in each class.
Guyana Times noticed most children were routinely sanitising their hands and they wore their masks. Temperature checks were also done at all of the schools when this newspaper visited.
Upon entry to the schools’ compound, the children were directed to the sinks where they were required to wash their hands with the soap that was provided.