Teenagers are the worst affected by this pandemic, says Minister for Education Premila Kumar.
While speaking in Nadi during her tour of schools in the Western Division, she said teachers and parents would have to closely monitor their teenagers once classes resumed.
“Teenagers they feel that their academic year has been ruined and that nothing is normal,” she said.
“Children go into a routine and they like to perform in a routined environment and schools generally provide or set that routine for a child. So when they are at home that routine is out.
“Their mind moves everywhere and they start thinking about their future.”
She said teachers would play an important role in bringing back some normalcy for returning students.
“Now it is up to us to help lessen their anxiety that has been caused by this pandemic and we need to talk to our children on a regular basis.
“So when schools reopen, I would urge our teachers to pay a lot more attention to our children because they need us now.”
She also acknowledged parents and teachers who were instrumental in ensuring their children were continuing with their education while schools were closed.
“I know a lot of our teachers were working behind the scenes trying to prepare their study packages and some were conducting classes online and I thank them sincerely for doing that. I want to thank our parents for playing a dual role in being their parent and also for being their teachers.”
