DOHA: As schools in Qatar reopened today after a long break, the turnout of students was much lower than expected as parents did not send their wards due to Covid-19 fears, school representatives and parents have told The Doha Globe.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education had taken extensive, foolproof measures in the wake of Covid-19, but several parents adopted a cautious wait-and-see approach for various reasons. A large number of parents had called for postponing the start of classes in surveys conducted by sections of the media and schools.
“We were instructed to welcome one-third of the students, but only 55 per cent of these one-third turned up today. Sixty per cent of them used school transport and the rest were dropped off by their parents. We took all precautionary measures as instructed by the authorities and in addition to that, took extra measures to make sure our students and employees are safe,” said Basheer K P, General Secretary, Noble International School.
Several other schools also reported a low turnout. The reasons for poor attendance vary from fear of Covid-19 infection, uncertainty about the current situation and presence of babies, the elderly, and other vulnerable people at home.
Another reason for the low turnout today is that the first few days will be used to orient students about the Covid-19 precautionary measures.
“I did not send my three children to schools today because I have a premature baby at home. Doctors have advised me to be extremely cautious to avoid infection and I cannnot take any risk. But I am watching the situation and might change my decision after a few days,” said Mohammed Salim, an Indian businessman.
“I did not send my children today because I am not sure if everybody would follow the precautionary measures. Several of my friends and neighbours, too, have not sent their children,” said Mazin Al Atta, a Sudanese national.
The poor attendance is also expected to be a temporary phenomenon. Several parents have informed the schools that they would be sending their wards in a few days after an assessment of the situation. “Attendance will definitely improve in the coming days. Students are happy to be back after a long break,” Basheer K P said. Al Atta, too, said he would think about sending his children next Sunday.
The Education Ministry is also proceeding cautiously and monitoring the situation closely. Schools have strictly adhered to all the instructions of the authorities to make sure classes continue without a hiatus.
Teachers and employees of schools are happy to head back to work, especially bus drivers, who have been one of the worst-affected by the crisis.