A Covid-19 School Readiness, Awareness and Educational Programme has been implemented across seven schools in the Gamagara District to minimise the risk of learners and teachers contracting the Covid-19 virus.
This is done in consultation with the district’s Department of Basic Education.
The programme includes a health and safety risk assessment to develop a Covid-19 management plan for each school and the provision of personal protective equipment for learners and teachers.
The assessment also includes protocols on social distancing and demarcations, hygiene awareness and an education campaign on the implementation of the management plan and protocols.
Each learner received a school readiness pack including two face masks, hand sanitisers, a cloth and surface cleaner.
Brizelda Titus, a social worker for the Ubuntu Schools Project, says the schools already face numerous challenges with regard to infrastructure, water accessibility and other facilities.
Titus says considering their current challenges, Covid-19 seemed overwhelming and unbearable, hence psycho-social support and other initiatives, such as risk assessment, were necessary.
This support ensures awareness and guidance on how to help cope with and adjust to the current situation to reduce the risk of developing distress, improving well-being and promoting preventive behaviour, says Titus.
The seven schools that are being supported by this programme include the Langberg High School, Gamagara High, Deben Primary, Maikaelelo Primary, Noord-Kaap Primary, Sishen Intermediate Mine School and the Sishen Primary School.
Monaheng Roestof, Langberg’s principal, says the intervention was helping learners to understand and to practice good personal hygiene that is essential during the pandemic, without which he believes the school environment would be a mess.
Kelebogile Mogorosi, local community liaison officer for Renewable Energy Investments South Africa (Reisa), says the programme provides the schools with some relief for the teachers to focus on the mental health of learners with the help of social workers, and fast-tracking the curriculum.
