With the aim of leaving no child behind, the National Parent Teacher Association (NPTA) is calling on the Education Ministry to rescind it plans to reopen physical schools for vaccinated students only.
In a release, Zena Ramatali, Interim Chair of the NPTA, described the decision as “learning segregation” by vaccination status and said it would cause more stress for schoolchildren.
Ramatali noted that science has proven that even if someone is vaccinated, there is still the possibility of contracting and spreading the Covid19 virus. As such, she said, “We are urging the ministry and its partners to review its position and allow every single child the right to pursue their free and fair education according to our Constitution.”
The NPTA also stated that is concerned about the welfare of parents and students surrounding the physical reopening of schools on October 4.
“We can celebrate the successful vaccination of our children, but we cannot deny the anguish and trauma to a parent or child who have had adverse vaccination results. We believe, therefore, that the choice should reside with the stakeholders who would be most affected by their decision.”
“Households with children have been particularly hard hit by loss of income, increasing cost of living and delayed access to grants.
“These ongoing issues affect the mental health and well-being of our children. Public health measures to reduce the spread of covid19 has also led to disruptions in their daily lives, creating anxiety which is now further compounded by separating the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.”
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