MARGAO: A week after the schools reopened in an offline mode, a section of the parents from in and around Marago still wants the government to modify the rules and allow either in hybrid mode or allow for classes to be held on alternate days for the students.
These parents still feel that the classes should have continued in an online mode till the end of this academic term and that the offline mode should have started directly from the next term.
They are also concerned about what happens if there is a spread of COVID-19 in the classes and are worried about places at schools like the toilets, classrooms etc being sanitised regularly.
“We had asked the school management about hybrid mode but were told it’s not possible. We then asked if it can be held on alternate days and we were told that they would first see how this week goes and then decide. Majority of us were against the offline mode due to the risk of the virus,” said Alex Rodrigues, parent and former Parent Teacher Association member.
“The concerns about the virus cannot be understated. Our family had COVID-19 infection last year and we know how it is. We had to get oxygen cylinder etc. What happens if another child has a cold? It will be difficult to control such situations even with the SOPs and it can pass on to the others. The children are also not used to wearing the masks all day long,” Peninsula Fernandes, another parent said.
“I know how it is in the schools as I was a former teacher and it is not easy. The problems that are arising are because of how this decision was suddenly taken and implemented in a short period of time. Earlier, the PTA members would discuss and send our suggestions to the Education Department. Nothing like that this time,” Anita Fernandes said.
