The opinions of Mongolians varied about sending their children to school or nursery, after around two years of the pandemic, where some expressed their concern about sending children to school amid the emergence of new variants of the virus, fearing not applying the health measures, whereas others believe that it is necessary to coexist with the virus by opening schools and returning students to educational classes, especially since the educational level of students has decreased with online education. It is noteworthy that Mongolia postponed the academic year for two years, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021, and adopted the online education system to prevent the spread of the virus.
Interview with (Z.Gerelmaa – Citizen from Zavkhan province):
“It has been two years since the pandemic has started and there is a delay in students’ education. The starting school is correct on the one hand. But when it comes to the kids, it is difficult. Officials say they will study with a 5: 9. Some say it’s useless. People have different views. The main thing is hygiene, keeping the distance, wearing a mask, and washing their hands. We should learn to live with the Covid. That’s why we need to try the 5: 9 procedure we are talking about. If the disease spreads, it will be closed. Before that, it is better to follow the rules and start school.
Interview with (G.Oyunzul – Citizen from Chingeltei district):
“Schools should be opened. It is hard to keep children at home all day right? Children under 12 have not been vaccinated. Officials say the delta virus has spread and it is dangerous. Now we need to adapt to the disease, follow the rules, send children to school and socialize. What do we gain by staying at home? Nothing wins. It is right to study in the classroom. I think it is wrong to study in a classroom for five days and online for nine days. My child, who used to get 90 points, has just gotten worse online. All my children do at home is nails her finger, brush their hair. Parents got to make earning. They can’t babysit them all the time. The teacher calls and says that we should help with their homework and study together. On the one hand, it’s like trying to teach online, but it’s very harmful.”
Interview with (Z.Munguntsetseg – Citizen from Chingeltei district):
“I’m scared. This is difficult at a time when delta mutations are on the rise. If possible, I prefer online classes. Education can be obtained from anywhere. Children are at high risk. Children’s education is delayed, because of online classes. It is meaningless to send them to schools at risk to educate your child. In any case, I think I will prepare them for school and send them. Parents don’t know what to do and can’t decide. I have two children, both of whom go to school.”
Source- A24 News