Alfred: Return to classroom possible with collective action

Education Minister, Octavia Alfred has hinted that students may see a return to the physical classroom in the new school term if certain conditions are met.

The minister who was addressing the handing over ceremony of devices to schools in the Roseau District on Monday said this depends on the ability as a people to control the recent spike of Covid-19 cases affecting Dominica presently.

“We have traversed the island making stops north, south, east, west , now we are central ensuring that our students have devices,” she said. “We are fully aware that the modality of online learning is creating difficulties for many students and parents, therefore while we equip you with the tools that children need for learning we are looking with hope to the new school term and the prospect of our children returning to the physical classroom.”

Alfred thanked those who have so far gotten vaccinated and prayed that their part in limiting the spread of the virus will be taken into consideration.

She encouraged parents, teachers and others to get vaccinated to protect our health and that of our children who are not old enough to be vaccinated.

“It’s only through collective action that school will be able to defeat this virus and return to face-to-face learning,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit said over 2000 children have received new devices from the government to engage in virtual learning.

Melissa Poponne-Skerrit delivers speech at handing-over ceremony

“With the provisions of these laptops and tablets the government has removed the financial pressure placed on the parents who would have to secure these devices on their own,” she stated.

Poponne Skerrit continued, “It underscores our commitment to a highly educated population.”

She added, “Our goal is to train citizens who can help society achieve higher levels of empowerment and a stronger more cohesive society based on sound values.”

Over 400 tablets were distributed to students in various schools in the Roseau district Monday.

 

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3 Comments

  1. My Bad
    November 9, 2021

    Dominica is lacking leadership. The Skerrit administration is very good in politicking but very poor in giving leadership. Right now we shouldn’t be politicking with vaccination but rather take decisions and give leadership. Two years since covid and a year with vaccination, we should not be in a cradle anymore and talking the foolishness like the government and Ms Alfred. Right now we don’t need no more talk about collective actions for schools to reopen. The vaccine is here, it’s free and it’s working so right now schools should be opened and students, teachers and all educaton officers and employees, down to the cleaners should be vaccinated period. Those who fail to comply should stay and charge parents that fail to get their children vaccinated. After all, while these kids can’t be at school due to covid they are out on the streets, supermarkets and everywhere they could get covid. So stop trying not to lose votes and instead concentrate on leading the damn country

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 9 Thumb down 15
  2. SherriAD
    November 9, 2021

    DNO, I think you mean “cohesive”, not “coercive”.

    ADMIN: Thank you for pointing that out.

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