The closing down of schools has brought with it a significant number of challenges for parents, but ultimately the decision taken to do so was the right one.

At a time when Covid-19 numbers were hitting record highs, the protection of our children and teachers is of the utmost importance. Health must come first before anything else.

Of course, this decision did not come about without any challenges.

If students do not log onto their online school platforms, they are declared as absent, and this will affect their records, Education Minister Justyne Caruana explained on Indepth. "Some parents complained saying that they cannot monitor all day and ensure that their children are attending every single lesson. But the truth is there are ways of checking," she said, adding that, as a parent, she constantly checks up on her own children. "I acknowledge that this might be a bit difficult for working parents, but we have to ensure that they are present online, because this counts as much as classroom attendance."

Indeed having children stay home all day for working parents is challenging, especially for those who are unable to work from home. Employers should give a bit of leeway for parents during this particular period. Those who are able to work from home for example, should be allowed to do so.

But this isn’t the only challenge. Even with the best online learning possibilities, children are not having the same learning experience they would have while at school. "At the end of the day, we have to acknowledge that all schoolchildren have missed out on something. We have to see how they can recover it. Other countries are considering longer school hours and shorter holidays to recoup what was lost. We have to evaluate, realistically and hand on heart, what our children have lost. There has to be a frank discussion where the best interest of our children prevails, so that we overcome the effects of Covid and gain back what was lost."

Such a statement indicates that the government might consider longer school hours or less school holidays once the Covid-19 numbers come down. The minister is right… the children must come first. Covid-19 has resulted in many sacrifices being made, and more are still needed.

It still remains to be seen whether schools will open on 12 April. Asked about this, the minister did not say yes or no, but rather: “Ultimately, this is a decision that has to be taken in the most conscious and responsible manner by the health authorities.” She said that between now and 12 April, the government will be evaluating the Covid-19 situation.

Some students are struggling to keep up with online learning, due to lack of access to technology, and in this regard the government is doing well to provide support. “We are providing computers and internet to families in need,” the minister had said.

Regardless, once the pandemic passes, there will undoubtedly be students who will require help to catch up in the curriculum. When that day comes, we will need to pull together as a community to ensure that these children will not be left behind. The only way the country could make it out of this situation with minimal damage, is by working together.

Stay safe, abide by the regulations and don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk.