Prepare for your child's return to school

The schools and academic institutions are set to start open for candidates and finalists; following the guidance and directive of President Yoweri Museveni. 

As Government, we are doing all that we can, to ensure that the students are safe, but are also back into the school environment as they prepare for the national examinations. For parents with students in lower classes, and are set to stay home, I hope you are taking the academic homework seriously ahead of the promotional assessments in months to come. 

My appeal to all parents, with students who are going back to school, is to ensure that your child is prepared mentally and physically. I know and do appreciate that our children have been out of school for a long time, like never before. This school year is going to look a lot different for students, teachers and families. This is more reason why every parent should be very focused on ensuring that the children are well prepared. 

Transitioning back to school in the COVID-19 era might present some challenges for parents and children. Many parents have reported that learning from home has given their children a better opportunity to work at their own pace. Some children have also benefitted from the one of one support from their parents. But, some have completely been missing out with the right learning environment. All these groups of learners need to be helped, as they return to school. 

It is important that as a patent, you start conversations with your child about going back to school and preparing for national examinations. 

I know that during this time, some families have lost their loved ones to COVID-19; and it is sad. My condolences. But, this impact can easily play into the child's life and emotions. Please do reassure your child that it is normal to have mixed emotions such as excitement, relief, worry and anger.

Ask your child what he or she knows about COVID-19 and how it may impact their school year. As a parent, it is wise, that you also share with your child what you know about this disease and how the child can avoid it. 

Don't just imagine that your child is informed and is ready to follow what is being communicated by Government, people and other agencies. A touch from a parental advice is very vital is securing our children from this global pandemic. Encourage your child to express their feelings; positive and negative. Find out if your children are also excited about seeing friends at school, worried about getting sick or anything! This will give you vital talking points to your child. At times, and more often, from my teaching experience and as a parent, I know that one-on-ones talking sessions with your child work may be better. They at times show the seriousness of the discussion, much more than it is in a group talk. 

As a reminder, talk to your child with their age and maturity level in mind. Always remember that the way you talk child in Primary Seven, will have to be different from the way you will have to talk to your other child in Senior Four, Senior Six or even the one at the university. You must reinforce good hygiene practices. You also need to model positive behaviors to improve mood and coping skills; including taking care of themselves. Children should have a strong re-assurance, right from you as a parent, that this disease can be avoided and we must forge a way out of this difficult time. 

All it requires, is for all of us having a joint effort in ensuring that we play our part, for the sake of our country going forward. This same appeal goes to teachers and school heads all over the country. Please be optimistic, talk to students in a positive, informed and organised way; and also be set to do your work. I know there are several challenges, and we are aware of some of these issues as Government. The President, during the International Teachers Day responded to some of these issues alongside the experts and technical people. We are still willing to listen, and work with you to ensure that we find solutions to as many challenges that you might be facing. 

As parents, no matter how your child returns to learning this academic year, there will be need to have an adjustment period. Please remember, that instead of a massive quick change, there is need for a gradual process. 

As a parent or guardian, remember that these are different times, but the times that we will sail through somehow. But do not forget that the decision to return to school is based on medical advice. We are sure that children, are a low rate of succumbing to COVID-19, and if they take precautions as guided by health experts, all will be well. 

The Government is keeping an eye on every step of the schools reopening, a reason why we started with inspection and funding (Government-aided) of schools around the country. We have a very organised Government, concerned education minister Maama Janet Museveni and a very determined President. We have had a remarkable stand in the fight against this COVID-19 and we have a global recognition in this regard. The safest way out of this COVID-19, is to stick to what the experts and Government is telling you. We will overcome. 

The writer is the state minister for higher education, and Member of Parliament for Bamunanika County