Education has been one of the most hit sectors during this COVID-19 pandemic hence drop-out rates across the country are likely to rise as a result of this massive disruption to education access.
Last month Government through the Ministry of Education released the official timetable for reopening of schools in a phased manner to manage the learners in the face of Covid-19 as they close 2020 academic year.
According to the ministry’s schedule, the sub candidate classes of Primary Six, Senior Three and Senior Five reported on March 1 and will study for 14 weeks, breaking off on May 21.
Primary Four and Five classes will study for eight weeks starting on April 6 after Primary Leaving Examinations and end on June 4 to create space for lower primary pupils in Primary 1, 2, and 3 to come in on June 7.
During a briefing yesterday, the ministry stopped schools from teaching day and boarding students together as one of the means to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 in schools.
The Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza said that it’s risky for students coming from outside school to mix with those that stay at school. He urged schools to make arrangements.
He also warned Day schools, which have opened up boarding sections without authorisation, that they risk being closed.