EDUCATION
Let's Change the Narrative on the So-called
"Covid Generation"
By Sophie Mazaz
Sponsored by the ACS International School Doha
O
ver the past weeks and months, the headlines have been full of notions of the “Covid-19 learning gap”, scrutinising the current generation of school children who are now “behind” on their education due to the pandemic. But while the adults scramble and panic about the “Covid Generation” and the uncertainty of their ability to secure future careers, how is this making our young people feel?
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Now that some form of normality is resuming and schools are largely back in action, it’s time for us all to take a step back, take a deep breath, and try to gain a little perspective on the impact of the past year. While, yes, learning time has been reduced for many students and exams have been cancelled, we need to change the narrative and think less about what’s been lost and what catch up is needed, and more about what has been gained. As adults, we need to take the lead to think more positively about this crisis—for the benefit of our children and their confidence, their wellbeing, and their development going forward. If we only focus on the pain and the anxiety felt and the time spent unable to learn, this is what young people will remember and how they will frame themselves moving forward, which, firstly, is not conducive to good development, and secondly, is just plain untrue!
