Skolasajf could very well take place this year, however many have expressed concern.

Education Minister Owen Bonnici has insisted that Skolasajf summer school is still scheduled to open in July, unless suggested otherwise by the health authorities. Indeed, it is right that the health authorities should be the ones to take this decision, however in this particular circumstance, extra caution should be taken.

Children have a harder time understanding the reason for certain measures, such as social distancing and frequent hand washing. Yes numbers are going down in terms of those who are currently infected with the virus, but the threat of a second wave still looms, and could very well happen.

But both parents and teachers seem to be sceptical about sending their children to school this summer. Numbers of parents who applied for this year’s Skolasajf are down when compared to this point last year, and the teacher’s union has said that teachers are hesitant to go back to school, although countering this, the ministry said that the number of teachers who applied for Skolasajf is comparable to last year. 

What is certain is that, should Skolasajf take place, many precautions should be taken.

As an example, reduced class sizes should be introduced in order to increase the distance between students. Certain measures will have to be taken in terms of break time, lunch time, and in terms of other activities that would normally involve closer contact between students. One question would be how to keep social distancing between students. Classrooms are not very large in most cases. In addition, in the heat of summer some might be tempted to turn on air conditioners or switch on fans, but that could potentially risk spreading the virus.

These are all things that would need to be thought out, with guidelines and rules needing to be issued.

Indeed, the teachers’ union emphasised that a strategic plan is needed in order to ensure proper hygiene measures are in place when schools open. This is a must in order to ensure the health and safety of all those who will attend Skolasajf, and to ensure that the minds of both parents and teachers are more at ease. The schools used must be properly sanitized frequently.

This particular decision, to run Skolasajf or not this year, while dependant on the health authorities’ recommendations, will still be a great responsibility for the education ministry, in whose hands the health of teachers and children will be.

There are many arguments that can be made in terms of running this programme this year or not. Some may argue that it is best not to, even if the health authorities give the go ahead, not run the programme in order not to risk a second wave, others will argue that as restrictive measures are lifted and more people physically return to work, then parents will no longer be able to stay with their children at home.

One thing however must be the prevailing factor in the final decision, our health. And so if the decision is taken to run the programme, then all the necessary measures must be put in place, and all the plans must be solid.