Re-open schools when physical distancing is no longer necessary – FTU
Ministry yet to reveal how physical distancing will be maintained in classrooms

Re-open schools when physical distancing is no longer necessary – FTU

Ministry yet to reveal how physical distancing will be maintained in classrooms

By Shanil Singh
Monday 03/01/2022
FTU General Secretary Agni Deo Singh

The Fiji Teachers Union is calling on the Ministry of Education to only resume face to face classes when physical distancing is no longer necessary.

FTU General Secretary Agni Deo Singh says they all want children to come back to school as soon as possible however the protocols laid out by the Ministry of Health will not be possible to adhere to, considering the number of classrooms in a school.

Singh says Year 12 and 13 students occupied a few more classrooms when they returned to schools last year to ensure physical distancing was maintained.

He says this will not be possible when all students are back in school as there are no additional classrooms.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Singh adds wearing of masks is not going to be easy in primary schools and teachers will have a big challenge to implement it.

He also says many students will be travelling to schools by buses and they will be exposed to the virus as there is an escalation of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Singh says with children below the age of 12 not vaccinated at all, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education need to weigh their options carefully as they do not want children to contract the virus.

Some parents have also contacted us and asked if their children will be safe in classrooms and whether the schools will maintain the 2 metres distancing.

They have asked how all students will fit in a classroom if they will be made to sit 2 metres away from each other as there may be space issues.

According to the Safe School Re-opening Guideline which was released to all heads of schools in October 2021, all staff and students are to wear masks during school hours and breaks.

It also stated that social distancing has to be maintained in the classrooms especially in the sitting arrangements as much as possible.

We have sent questions to the Minister for Education Premila Kumar and the Permanent Secretary for Education Dr Anjeela Jokhan on these issues. They are yet to respond to our questions.

Year 8 to 13 students will start school tomorrow and Early Childhood Education to Year 7 students will start school next Monday.

FEATURE NEWS
Thousands of people without water again due to turbidity levels
Thousands of people are without water in the Central Division as the heavy rain during Tropical Cyclone Rae has led to an increase in turbidity levels...
24 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Namuka-i-Lau residents seek urgent Govt aid after TC Rae destruction
People in Namuka-i-Lau in Lau are seeking the Government's assistance after 15 of their homes and farms suffered extensive damage from Tropical ...
1 hour ago

Sanjay Kaba's bail variation matter stood down to this afternoon
Managing Director of Houng Lee Kaba Jacob Limited and former Director of Telecom Fiji Limited, Sanjay Kaba who is charged with one count of obtaining ...
2 hours ago

Police officer charged with assault to appear in court today
A Police officer who allegedly assaulted a 32-year-old man in Navua earlier this month will appear in the Navua Magistrates Court today. Police ...
3 hours ago

Meth, marijuana, syringes and other contraband found at Suva Remand Centre
The Fiji Corrections Service has seized contraband including methamphetamine, marijuana, suki, gas lighters, mobile phones, smoking apparatus, ...
3 hours ago

EIA conducted before court approved 4.15 tonne meth destruction – SSP Vusonilawe
Director of Operations Senior Superintendent of Police Kasiano Vusonilawe says before the Court issued the notice for destruction for 4.15 tonnes of ...
4 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
World Radio Day
Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political ...
12 days ago

Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Health Minister, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
20 days ago

PM Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan. The in-depth interview will focus on many issues facing the ...
24 days ago

TOP