COVID- Times. SCHOOL FOR THE CHILD

A large part of the child’s day is spent in school and in completing learning tasks assigned at school. School is the place where the child finds stimulation, companionship, security, self esteem and a sense of identity. School is a habit that must be cultivated and sustained. Consistent school attendance throughout childhood not only equips the child with skills and knowledge to pursue a means of livelihood- but it also promotes the child’s development which is critical for survival in the real world. It is therefore to be expected that children will be worried about what is going to happen to school in the context of the covid epidemic.

In the initial days all schools were kept closed and it was easy to explain to children of all ages about the whys and hows of the situation. By now, children are missing their school and their friends. In some places where schools have been re-opened both parents and children are frightened of going to school. They are afraid for themselves and afraid of bringing home an infection that can harm their valued family members like grandparents who live with them. In a way, children are happier to stay at home because their schedule is less demanding now and being around parents is (mostly) comforting. Children want to know if its really necessary to go to school now? Cant they postpone it by a bit and go when they feel safer?

For some children school provides a refuge from difficulties at home. These difficulties may be in the form of poverty, hunger, poor quality of physical surroundings, lack of facilities like toilets and lack of space. Immediate challenges from family such as abuse, living with a person with difficulties (like illness/ disability/ etc) and burden of housework and caretaking. These children look forward to school for more than just learning.

Schools also provide a strong sense of self esteem and identity. The different rituals followed by a school- like appointing students to committees, making them captain of school groups etc promote ambition and striving among students and provide role models. Celebrations of national festivals, competitions in different categories are things that children enjoy and add to their confidence. Children benefit both by participation and spectatorship.

A school means all these and much more to the child….and in lockdown they are missing it mostly and relieved from it somewhat. People who want to plan about school should really do a survey about what children are missing because their schools are closed. This ‘customer experience’ should be considered before making the plan of schooling during covid so that children feel attracted to the experience.