Shifting perceptions through schools to combat Covid-19 Can schools serve as advocates of the new social behaviour system? The formulation of a national committee tasked with setting out guidelines and reimagining the social behaviour of citizens (in order to acclimatise society to new practices under the cloud of Covid-19) is a brave step towards aligning society with the demands of the new normal. Teacha! Magazine explores the role that schools can play in this campaign.
concerns and questioned South African schools’ readiness to adapt to the new normal.
While we have seen the return of grades 7 and 12 learners to the classrooms, prominent members of society have taken to the courts. Trying to halt the opening of schools, these citizens have noted their safety
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, when HIV/Aids and TB infections were at their peak, the Department of Basic Education conducted a collaborative campaign in schools to change perceptions around living
The virus poses a unique challenge to schools and the schooling system, as some of the vital tools needed to combat the spread are not readily available at some institutions. Social distancing remains a challenge due to the overcrowding in The total number of Covid-19 infections in some of the public schools. This leaves a South Africa has increased consistently since huge question mark as to how classes can continue and learning can be achieved. the further easing of the national lockdown from June 2020. These numbers are Schools should spread the message expected to continue to rise exponentially with the peak in infections coming around As the virus is expected to be with us for August 2020. months (possibly, years) to come, the new national committee will be tasked The big debate since the easing of regulations has been whether or not to allow with identifying the necessary measures needed to assist in instilling new behavioural learners to return to school. While Covid-19 infections are rising, there are also fears that measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. the learning schedule will continue taking a The Department of Basic Education, in heavy knock if school gates remain closed. collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development It has been argued that it is particularly have a proven track record of successfully important for grades 7 and 12 learners to conditioning learners and changing their return to classes. The reasoning here is that attitudes around issues that are central to we need to avoid a backlog of learners who would naturally have to advance to the next the wellbeing of the communities they are based in. stage of their schooling.
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