The impact of COVID-19 has left many Grade-12 learners feeling stressed and anxious. Most of them are now relying on online learning as they try to cover up for lost time and get through the final year of high school.
However, without the face to face interaction and support from teachers, studying is proving to be a daunting task that requires serious discipline and commitment.
Cassey Chambers from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says it’s been an emotional time for matric learners and therefore parents need to pay special attention to them during these trying time.
“Some of the signs and symptoms you can look for in your matric student that perhaps they are feeling more anxious and overwhelmed than usual, is a drastic change in eating and sleeping habits. Wanting to be more alone and isolated. Even feeling agitated, quick to anger, grumpy all the time. I know that a lot of these symptoms sound like normal teenage behavior, but remember they are also dealing with COVID- 19 and they might not know how to express themselves. As parents it’s really important that you connect with your teenager during this time, having a meaningful conversation to really understand what is causing the anxiety and stress, just a daily check in.”
Department of Education not ready for reopening of schools: SADTU
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) says the Department of Basic Education is not ready to reopen schools.
The union says the department has failed to meet the minimum requirements to ensure safety to avoid contracting COVID-19.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga announced on the 30th of April that School Management Teams should report to schools on Monday, 11 May 2020.
Proposed dates below:
Motshekga has proposed a possible reopening of schools, but only for Grades 7 and 12 on 1 June.
Minister Motshekga: The proposed date for the first phase of schooling is 01 June 2020. Learners in Grades 12 and 7 may resume schooling on that date provided that all the necessary measures are in place and approved by the command council.
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) April 30, 2020
In this video, the reopening of schools is under discussion
