KUCHING: The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has applauded Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee’s (SDDMC) decision to open primary and secondary schools in stages in the district.
STU president Adam Prakash said there had been many requests and suggestions on this following the alarming Covid-19 situation in most districts as well as divisions.
He added that home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) should continue to be carried out as teachers, parents and students had invested in electronic equipment.
“The decision made by Sibu DDMC coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee is necessary to avoid unwanted cases in schools.
“STU has received many requests and suggestions from school administrators and teachers alike urging the state government, especially Sarawak DMC to consider and implement the opening of schools in stages.”
Adam expressed his hopes for Sarawak DMC to assess the situation carefully and effectively in order to avoid the spread of the virus through education institutions.
He also urged Sarawak DMC to consider administering the Covid-19 vaccine to all teachers and education officers in the state as soon as possible.
“STU will continue to monitor the pandemic situation as well as urge school administrators and district officers to provide accurate information to the Ministry of Health.
“This is so that immediate measures can be taken to curb the spread, and to decide whether schools are safe to operate or otherwise.
“At the moment, they (teachers and education officers) are wondering why they are not put on the priority list when they are the most vulnerable during the schooling session. We want to feel safe and confident while doing our work and taking care of our students as well.”
