By Olimatou Coker
Alhagie B. Sama, GTUYTP interim chairman, has said that the safety of students matter to them a lot following government’s decision to reopen school for the ninth graders.
In a statement delivered by the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, the ministry announced that as part of measures designed for the reopening of schools, it would work with various Regional Education Directorates “to ensure compliance on the social distancing and availability of COVID-19 essentials such as sanitizers, thermometers, face masks, sanitary materials, and water points in addition to continuous cleaning of schools and fumigation”.
Ialhagie B. Sama, said in light of the decision to reopen schools for grade 9s, they are very much aware of the risks involved, considering the current status of the COVID in the country.
“We also urge you to keenly note the information provided by the ministry as preconditions for the reopening of schools”, added GTUYTP, who advised students and teachers not to hesitate to report to relevant authorities in the event of the absence of what is contained in the ministry’s statement as conditions for the opening of schools.
He implored on students and teachers to respect and adhere to precautionary measures advised by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health.
“We value the health and life of the students and our members”, highlighted the GTU Young Teachers Platform.
The Young Teachers Platform recognized the collective efforts of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Government and other stakeholders in these trying times, saying the radio and television lessons are a clear manifestation of government’s huge interest in the country’s education sector.
The GTU Young Teachers Platform further urged all authorities to ensure that adequate measures are taken to safeguard the lives of teachers and pupils.
Sama went on to call on concerned authorities to implement accordingly the preconditions highlighted in the statement of the education Minister.
“We would want the ministry and partners to note that, the Young Teachers Platform value the safety of the children and teachers affected by the decision of the ministry.”
“In as much as we monitor, we must also ensure that we execute our services in schools effectively and efficiently, for the interest of the children and the nation,” the chair concluded.
