Limpho Sello
THE Ministry of Education and Training has given a greenlight to Maseru Private Academy (MPA) to resume cases for all learners starting this week.
This follows a formal request by some private schools, MPA incuded, to resume classes for all learners except for pre-scholars who will continue relying on e-learning platforms.
After the requests to re-open, Ministry of Education and Training Senior Information Officer Molikuoa Mota said, the ministry then dispatched a team to inspect the school’s Covid-19 prevention plan and implementation.
MPA resumed classes for Grades 1 to 11 with learners and staff alike following strict Covid-19 prevention measures like social distancing, wearing face masks at all times and using sanitisers frequently. Learners are also barred from sharing learning equipment.
Classes have also been split to ensure that learners keep a space of at least 1, 5 metres apart whether in or outside class.
MPA deputy principal Moses Chisuko his week told the Lesotho Times that they advocated for the resumption of classes along with the parents of learners by writing to the ministry.
“For us to have opened this week, the Ministry of Education and Training’ inspection team had been satisfied with the environment and how we have implemented our Covid-19 safety protocols,” Mr Chisuko said.
“With the learners back on campus, we will be sure to monitor very closely the progress of every learner and ensure that, for those who are struggling with some of the subjects, help is offered to them.
“We were trying our best through the e-learning platforms but with the learners here on campus, it is definitely going to be easier for all the parties involved, that is the teachers, learners and parents.”
The school is taking learners on a rotation system to ensure that classes have ample space for all learners. Paths and corridors have also been marked to ensure that learners can maintain social distancing.
Mr Chisuko said all learners would attend lessons until 18 December 2020, when they break for the Christmas break. The school is also expected to open early in January.
“The learners have stayed home for a long time and we must ensure that they transition well to face-to-face learning from online lessons. We want them to get used to the environment quickly and also adjust to the new normal of social distancing, sanitising, screening and washing their hands regularly for their own safety,” Mr Chisuko said.
MPA was last month commended by the government for implementing stringent Covid-19 safety protocols starting in August this year.
This after the school and several others across the country opened for examination classes two months ago. The government ordered both private and public schools to implement Covid-19 safety measures before opening schools for examination classes.
Ministry of Education and Training Central regional inspector Teboho Moneri last month said following their inspection of Maseru schools, MPA came out with one of the best Covid-19 safety protocols.
“MPA has one of the best Covid-19 safety systems and we applaud them for complying with our directive to create a safe environment for leaners,” Mr Moneri said.
For her part, Ms Mota said among others, when they inspect facilities they want to see if the space is adequate for social distancing and if the school has working wash facilities.
“There are quite a number of things that are looked into before we give schools a green light to re-open. The schools must adhere to Covid-19 regulations, so yes, some schools have applied, some have been allowed to open, while inspectors are yet to visit some schools especially outside Maseru,” Ms Mota said.
