By M. Neywon Menginfia, mmenginfia@gmail.com
Liberia’s Education Minister, Ansu Sonii says all schools (public and private) should discontinue all extra academic activities and focus on students’ schooling and COVID 19 prevention at their various schools.
Professor Sonii said,” No social gathering, no queen contest and no gala day.”
In aaphone interview on State radio, Minister Sonii went on to say, “We are requesting all schools that anything that is not academic should not be held.”
According to him, he has instructed all districts, county education officers and others to ensure that all schools adhere to the mandate form the ministry of education or risk being slapped with the imposition of fines on violators.
“Now there is a threat that we need to manage,” Minister Sonii added.
He indicated that they are hopeful that the new increase in the COVID-19 will not reach a point for all schools to be closed.
According to him, schools will no longer be closed across the country as was done in time pass when Liberia experienced the first wave of the virus.
He said if there is an increase of the virus in a particular location, it is that particular area that will be quarantined.
The education boss encouraged the schools to at all times check the temperature of the kids who are school going and also follow all regular protocol as proscribed by the Ministry of Health.
He wants all schools operating in Liberia do according to what the authorities in the Liberian educational system say.
Anyone who goes against what they have instructed will lead to imposition of finds on them and if they willingly violate because they can afford, their finds will be increased to the point that it will pain violators.
“I am asking all institutions who are under my permit, be it public schools, private schools or religious schools, let follow all the COVID-19 health protocols,” he said.