EDUCATION AND COVID-19

IS YOUR CHILD FALLING BEHIND?

The abrupt move from classroom to remote learning due to the pandemic has been detrimental to many children’s learning. Here’s what you can do to help your kids catch up. By CEBOKAZI SOTOBE

ACCORDING TO THE 2020 UNICEF ‘EDUCATION AND COVID-19’ REPORT, more than 1 billion children are at risk of falling behind due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep children learning, countries have been implementing remote education programmes. Yet, many children do not have internet access, personal computers, TVs or even radio at home, amplifying the effects of existing learning inequalities. As a result, many face the risk of never returning to school, undoing years of progress made in education around the world.

The online schooling dilemma

According to Amnesty International, South Africa has borne the heaviest burden in Africa in terms of COVID-19 reported cases and reported deaths. But things were bad even before the pandemic. A report by Amnesty International conducted from 2017-2019 in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, revealed that out of 23 471 public schools, 72% had no internet access and 239 schools lacked electricity. Nationally, only 22% of households have a computer and 10%, an internet connection. Most children therefore have little prospect of being able to participate in online schooling and have parents or carers who are usually not in a position to homeschool. Learners were out of school for a considerable period of time over the past year owing to school closures. By early August 2020, South African children had lost on average between 30 and 59 days of school, depending on their grade. The lack of education during this period is

likely to put them at a serious disadvantage in comparison to those with better-resourced homes.

Our frightening drop-out rates

In November 2020, the Minister for Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, announced that more than 300 000 children had dropped out of primary school during the previous six months. Furthermore, South Africa’s five percent decrease in the Grade 12 pass rate shows that education has been a casualty of the pandemic. So what can you do to help your children or dependants?

BEST FREE TV PROGRAMMES FOR KIDS GRADE R-12

+ Tune in to Takalani Sesame, Monday to Friday at 3:30pm on SABC 2 for lessons on literacy and numeracy for ages 4-8. You can also experience the wonder of saving with the Sanlam Savings Jar (sanlam.co.za/campaigns/savingsjar/). + South Africa’s No.1 study buddy, Geleza Nathi, is broadcast daily on SABC 1 at 5am and brings young viewers the opportunity to kick-start their school day. + TOMZ is a science and technology edutaiment show that tackles different topics that are aimed at young people. It airs Monday and Tuesday at 4pm on SABC 1.

development facilitator and career counsellor for Ivy Online Education. “Choose an area that is well lit and well ventilated, with lots of fresh air; this will help your child stay focused for extended periods of learning,” says Louise

Set boundaries and create structure

“A lot of children take advantage of their parents’ ignorance, which is why it’s important to create structure,” says occupational therapist, Thelma Ngodu. “Start by

A lot of children take advantage of their parents’ ignorance, which is why it’s important to create structure.

GET FREE TELEPHONIC HOMEWORK HELP

Your child can access free help with their schoolwork and exam prep using the Dial-A-Teacher benefit. Visit sanlamreality.co. za/benefit/dial-ateacher or dial 0860 00 7325 to learn more. T&Cs apply.

Create a learning environment

It’s important to set up a study space at home that is similar to that of a schooling environment, with a desk, chair, stationery etc., says Natalie Rabson, skills Schoonwinkel, managing director for Optimi Home. What to avoid? “The places not conducive to studying are your child’s bed or other areas that they associate with relaxation and entertainment,” adds Schoonwinkel.

YOU HAVE A FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE!

Have you tried your Ivy Online education platform benefit? Access a free supplementary education platform for Grades 8-12. Plus, access an online homeschooling platform at discounted tutor rates for Grades 10-12. Visit sanlamreality.co.za/benefit/ ivy-online for more. T&Cs apply. setting up a timetable with dedicated time for you to do homework with your child. During this time, make sure the TV is switched off and there are no phones or distractions around.”

If you’re unable to do homework with your child or are worried about not being able to help your child due to a lack of understanding of their schoolwork, ask an older child in your neighbourhood to help. “Creating a community that helps each other is good for everyone involved,” says Ngodu. You can also schedule time to tune into free educational TV and radio programmes.

It’s also important to stay connected to the school. Ask your child’s teacher if they have additional learning resources or programmes. Now, more than ever, we need to work together.