We will only resume face to face classes when we are COVID contained - Akbar

Education Minister Rosy Akbar says we will only resume face-to-face classes and classroom teaching when Fiji is once again COVID contained.

While speaking about the extended closure of schools, Akbar says after close consultation with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the Ministry of Health they found this to be the best course of action if they are to ensure the safety of students and teachers given the severity of the current pandemic situation not only in Fiji but across the world.

She says she understands that there are many concerns regarding the continued education of our children as they wait at home for schools to eventually reopen.

Akbar says while their primary concern remains the safety of all Fijians, rest assured that they are not neglecting the continuing education of the children.

She further adds that just because children are at home it doesn’t mean that their education is doomed to become a COVID-19 casualty as education never stops.

Akbar is urging parents to make every effort possible to ensure their children are doing some form of academic and informal activities while they remain home during this month of extended closure.

The Minister says all their efforts is aimed at making sure Fiji is COVID contained and we once again regain our normalcy.

Akbar has also urged parents to be there for their children who may not understand everything that is happening around them.

She has also thanked every parent who are making sure their children are safe at home.

Akbar says data has shown that some schools around the world have been closed for more than 40 weeks.