The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has on Friday June 26, 2020, provided school operation guidelines for candidates in public examination classes – National Primary School Exam (NPSE), Basic Education Certificate Exam (BECE) and West Africa Senior School Certificate Exam (WASSCE).
According to the guidelines, schools will operate between 8:45am – 2:00 pm, 5 days a week and there will be a single shift – no afternoon shift. “All schools (including those in the afternoon shift before the closure of schools on 31st March, 2020) will start at 8:45am and end at 2:00pm. Detailed daily school schedules/timetables will be shared by schools,” the Ministry said in the statement.
“Students will have one break for 20 minutes, and must remain in their classrooms during the break. Social distancing should be adhered to during this period and at all times,” the guidelines further stipulate. The Ministry instructed in the guidelines that, no recess or cafeteria will be opened to students during the operation of schools, admonished parents and guardians to provide lunch packs for their children to carry to school.
The Ministry via the same statement informed parents, guardians, education stakeholders – including learners and teachers, and the general public that preparation for the reopening of Schools in July 1, 2020, was at an advanced stage.
“As a Ministry, our objectives are three-fold: protecting our learners, teachers and the community from COVID-19; enhancing the safety and wellbeing of our children and in particular girls; and enhancing quality teaching and learning in our schools to improve learning outcomes,” it added.
The Ministry disclosed that Government would supply take-home dry food rations to pupils in primary schools during the operational periods of schools.
The Ministry strongly disallowed the practice of conducting extra classes after regular school hours (8:45 am – 2:00 pm) and put onus of observing all other COVID-19 prevention and control guidelines in schools, and also immediately reporting any sick student or teacher to the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre by calling 117, on the school authorities.
“Any school or teacher who violates these guidelines will face disciplinary measures. The MBSSE, Ministry of Health and Sanitation/COVID-19 Emergency Response Center and education partners will continue to organize, coordinate and monitor all schools affected by the school reopening to ensure the maximum safety of pupils and teachers,” the statement continued.
By Stephen V. Lansana
29/6/2020. ISSUE NO.:7854