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Covid-19 and the ‘hopscotch’ to school completion HOPSCOTCH AS a metaphor for the school journey Hopscotch is one of the oldest, most universal children’s games and has many variations around the world. In South Africa, it goes by many names, including: Blokke, Eensbeentjie, Uguni, Haasie, Bhoriki, Klippie and U-qxa. The basis of the game of hopscotch is a pathway of numbered blocks. While the pathway may seem straightforward, players are presented with obstacles along the way, requiring them to hop on one leg, jump large gaps, or begin again. This is not unlike the school journey from Grades 1 to 12 – particularly for South African learners, who must face many obstacles on the road to school completion. Often, the odds are stacked against them from the start. The realities of Covid-19 have widened the gaps that learners must overcome on their pathway through school. But there are ways we can support them to gain a foothold, withstand disruptions, and stay on course.
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