The first half of the year has gone. Schools have been closed since March with a view to enforcing social distancing within our communities. Students from low income families are at a disadvantage because they have few opportunities for home learning.
At Mabest school, we have been able to successfully launch technological interventions for distant learning. Although access to technology in most homes vary but we have been able to maintain robust dialogue with our students by using remote learning and other resources to mitigate the loss of physical school attendance.
We have provided parents and teachers with digital text books and learning materials. Our virtual teaching has creatively bridged the gap caused by the lockdown. Although it could not be compared to regular classroom experience that enables teachers to give emotional and physical support to students when necessary; it is nonetheless the second best option for our students. They can confidently take their national examinations when school resumes.
As exit classes have been authorized by the Federal Government to return to school, adjustments have been made for social distancing in our hostels and classrooms. Safety and health measures had been doubled ahead of resumption. We at Mabest Schools appreciate the importance of protecting our children. All precautions necessary for the prevention of COVID-19 are in in place. The protocols outlined by WHO will be strictly adhered to. In addition, Mabest will cancel all gatherings like religious assembly, sporting activities and other events that call for crowds. The sitting positions of the students are more than a meter apart and we also have signs and instructions that guide the students on how to avoid being infected. Constant washing of hands, the use of sanitizers and face masks are being enforced.
As for the remaining classes that are yet to resume, they are engaged through Google classroom. This is very important for our students as we cannot afford any gap in our curricula- British and Nigerian. Our affiliation to the British Council enables our students to sit Checkpoint Examinations, IGCSE and A-levels. In spite of the postponement of the WASSCE, majority of our students already got admissions into top rated universities in the United Kingdom and Canada with their IGCSE results.
The Professor also commended the Federal and State Ministries of Education for their timely intervention in protecting the young and vulnerable.
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