A week after reopening, attendance dismal at 25%
BHOPAL: Despite low attendance, the schools have been receiving ‘back-to-school’ queries from students and parents.
Even the schools, which are closed, have asked parents about opening their campus from October 1. Parents said they do want to send their kids, but the fear of coronavirus is a big concern for them. As of now, attendance at schools has been around 25%-30%.
Schools were allowed to open with only consulting classes since September 21. However, the turnout of the students was very poor. Several schools had announced that their campuses would be closed till September 30.
The state government had declared all government schools as open. “Our staff is coming regularly to schools. Except two-three schools, all our campuses are open,” said DEO, Bhopal, Nitin Saxena. He added that Model School and Berkhera Nathu School have been closed for two days after coronavirus cases were detected there.
About private schools, Saxena said that the attendance of students is low. “It is true that attendance is still very low. Schools are trying their best to convince parents and students to attend the campus. Infact, I have noticed that even parents and students are ready to come, but the corona fear is restricting them,” said Saxena. He claimed that around 70% private schools are open in Bhopal.
Citing the example of Bairagarh, Saxena said, “Students in this locality are coming regularly and meeting teachers to resolve their queries.” He added, “I am hoping that the schools which are closed will open from October 1.”
Association of Unaided Private Schools have already opened their campuses. “We have around 50 schools in our group. Our schools are taking every measure for the safety of our students.Students also understand the importance of physical classes in learning,” said principal Gyan Ganga International, D Ashok Kumar.
Citing an example, Kumar said, “Seats has been allotted to students travelling by bus. Children use the same seat daily for attending school and going back home. This is the level of safety we have assured to the students in schools associated with our group.”
Secretary, Sahodaya Group, have instructed schools to ask parents about opening of campuses from October 1. “Our schools will ask the parents and teachers whether we should open the campus. If they agree to come, schools will be opened. As of now, schools are closed till September 30.
Parents said that schools have assured them that the will be children safe. “It is true that schools have made good preparations, but the fear of corona is still there. Cases have been on the rise which has made us skeptical. Nevertheless, there is no harm in sending children to schools when they have assured safety for them,” said Umesh Malviya, father of a student.
Several parents, however, maintained that sending kids to the schools is out of question for them. “I am not sending my daughter to school in any situation,” said Meeta Sharma, mother of a student.
A week after reopening, attendance dismal at 25%
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