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“There is no justification now for keeping schools closed in view of the pandemic and even if there are new waves, closing schools should be the last resort.” World Bank Director Jamie Saavedra has made a statement that closing the schools amidst the pandemic should be the last option.

Mr. Saavedra says that reopening the schools has not increased the COVID-19 cases. He says even if there is a new wave of COVID-19 virus, closing schools should be the last option.

Here are some of the arguments, that Saavedra has shared to start opening schools across the world:

1. There is no evidence that opening of schools has caused spread of virus.
2. It does not make sense to keep restaurants, bars and shopping malls open and keep schools closed. 
3. We didn’t know how to fight the virus, and so everything, including schools were closed. Now, at this time in 2022, we know the virus better. Schools are not responsible for the spread of virus.
4. Even if the kids can get infected and with the Omicron it is happening even more but fatalities and serious illness among children is extremely rare.
5. During the school closure, the education of the students has already suffered a loss. It would further lead to learning poverty.
6. School closure has affected the children and the education system in a way that couldn’t be imagined.

Increase in learning poverty since the start of COVID-19:

Lockdowns have happened across the globe to stop the pandemic since 2020. These lockdowns led to no or very low-income sources for many people. Many children had to leave their schools and sit at home. The children, who had enough devices at home, could attend online classes. However many teachers and students could not do teaching and learning due to a lack of devices.

Learning poverty is increasing due to constant school closures during the pandemic.

Effects of School Closure

The school closure has affected the children badly. The education system has taken two steps backward. Though online learning is available, not everyone has the access to smartphones or internet connections.

Moreover, there is a learning loss noted in the students after the school reopening. Children have forgotten what they studied before the schools closed. These children are the ones who were not in touch with schools, teachers and their friends.

School closure has also affected the behaviour of children. They didn’t get the opportunity to meet their friends or to play with them, and this has affected their mental wellbeing.

Effects of learning loss and learning poverty

The loss of learning amongst the children is unacceptable has a long-term impact on children and society. In the last two years, many children have left their schooling because of the no income issue, while some children didn’t have the access to smartphones and internet connections.

The increase in learning poverty might have an effect on future productivity, the wellbeing of children and the world economy as well.

Therefore, the gap between the school, students and teachers should be blended up. Keeping the schools closed will only widen the gap, which will affect the education system altogether.

At Curious Times, we hope that the pandemic phase passes soon and the education system gets back on track.

We would like to know what you think about learning poverty. Whether you are a student or teacher, share your views. We would like to publish your view through My Expressions on Curious Times.

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