Decision on schools’ opening to be made in May, assessments starting soon

Assessment on schools for the opening of the 2022 academic year is expected to be completed in early May before recommendations are submitted to the Oversight Committee and then on to the Cabinet for the decision on the date to open schools.

Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources James Bosamata told journalist today that the cabinet has already approved the paper for schools opening and soon assessments will be done to schools in Honiara followed by Guadalcanal and then to the rest of the provinces.

Bosamata said according to their timeline, they are looking at the end of April and early May for the assessments to be completed and report to be produced – then they will prepare a paper for the Oversight Committee and then to the Cabinet for it final deliberation and decision.

Meanwhile he said after the approval from the cabinet— they have already piloted check lists for schools’ opening last Friday in some schools in Honiara.

Additionally, he said, there is a training now underway in Honiara for Honiara based Education Authorities (EA) as well as some EAs’ from the provinces. Selected teachers are also attending the workshop.

“We have selected the teachers because they will assist MEHRD (EDOC team) to conduct an assessment in schools as of next week. The assessment will check their preparedness and readiness of schools in preparation for the opening,” the deputy secretary, said.

Bosamata stated that after the completion they would compile a report and that same document would be used to determine the opening of schools or the proposed date.

He underscored that the ministry of health will be the main advisor —meaning that “we will depend on their advice when we propose the date for the schools to open.”

Bosamata also reiterated that the final decision will be made by the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, the deputy secretary encourages teachers to return to their schools in preparation for the opening of the new school year.

Schools remain closed since January 24 after the community outbreak of COVID-19 in Honiara and then onto the provinces.

News@SBMOnline2022