MoBSE prepares to reopen schools

Yesterday, the ministry engaged different stakeholders to ensure that when schools are re-opened, safety measures are observed.

The principal reason for the ministry’s reopening of schools is to ensure that transition from one level to the other occurs, said Ousman Senghore, general secretary of UNESCO-NATCOM, Gambia.

Muhammed Jabbi, teacher and a principal said the key problem to some of the schools is water, saying correct statistics must be taken to ensure all schools are provided with adequate water.

He said social distancing will only be productive, viable, and effective when water is available, saying schools must be thoroughly clean because during this COVID-19 period some of them were used as  football grounds and for confabs.

He also observed that school vendors must stand 2 meters away from each other as recommended by WHO and Ministry of Health and it is the responsibility of the teachers to make sure children use the safest way of having their food

Speaking on behalf of the ministry of health, Dr. Momodou Njie, head of accessory unit of MoBSE said schools have been fumigated and currently Muslim High, Gambia High, and Farafenni High schools are under fumigation.

He said students will have enough ventilation and will be provided with face masks while teachers will be trained on certain preventive measures, assuring that the health ministry will work tirelessly to provide materials that both parents and students will need.

"In addition, distance learning has been postponed for further notice and the date for the reopening of schools shall be communicated."