MUMBAI: As the state reports a steady drop in Covid-19 cases, a group of parents from the city has petitioned the government to reopen physical schools for all classes.
The parents have also written an open letter to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, highlighting the problems related to online learning and the impact the pandemic has had on their children. The petition has been signed by more than 1,800 individuals. The group is also running a campaign called #OpenMumbaiSchools across social media platforms. “Sir, our children have fallen behind in learning due to online school. They are not retaining information, finding it difficult to focus and are suffering acutely. It is affecting their mental health. Depression and anxiety are on the rise. Children in formative years are barely reading and their math skills have fallen behind,” reads the open letter.
Gayatri Sabharwal, a parent of two, said regular schools have resumed in most countries across the world. “In the state, everything is open. Children are going to the malls, playgrounds and birthday parties but are not allowed to go to school. Also, we parents want the best for our children and we are urging the government to allow physical schools to reopen for all,” said Sabharwal. She said the standard operating procedure should be left to schools and the parents for better implementation of safety precautions. “We have spoken to many pediatricians and they have said it is safe for children to go to school. Also, children have natural immunity. Even if they contract the virus, they have a mild infection,” said Sabharwal.
Chef-restaurateur Nikhil Chib who is supporting the petition said children have reported a de-growth and now that cases have dipped, schools should be opened again. “For those who are not willing to send their children to school, there is an option of online learning. But it cannot be the case for all the kids for such a long time,” said Chib. At the moment, the state has allowed physical school from classes 8 to 12 in urban areas and classes 5 to 12 in rural areas. The state government is considering allowing younger classes 5 to 7 to attend physical school in cities and primary classes may be allowed in rural areas.
Tanya Dere, mother to six-year-old, said children are suffering silently, their mental health, physical health and even intellectual health is affected.
“Online education is half as effective, the pace of learning is slow and not focused. Apart from not learning, children are socially awkward today due to limited physical interaction. Now with most parents and grandparents fully vaccinated, the risk of contracting the virus from children too has reduced,” said Dere.
The petition says we have to learn to live as normally as possible as the pandemic may not end.
