We are pleased to announce the new season of Africa Educates Her - Back to school after lockdown. Don't miss it! Webisode 1

We are happy to announce the new campaign - ''Back to school after lock-down''!

Last week we ended the Africa Educates her campaign, which aimed to ensure that all girls will return to school as soon as they reopen.

Schools in Angola reopened last week and students resumed classes. Now we want to certify that there is no weak compliance to COVID-19 measures, specially in  government-owned schools.

It should be noted that, from the 785 existing public schools, more than 100 had no conditions for the resumption of classes in Luanda. Moreover, at least 4 students tested positive for covid-19.

Today we invited Finelma and Belma, both are 13 years old and are studying the 6th grade class at one of the public schools of Angola.

Note: this is a collection of stories via video from girls in primary, secondary and tertiary level who have been affected by the lockdowns.

Key questions answered are:

What is your name?

Finelma and Belma

What is your age?

13

Country?

Angola

What level of education are you in?

6th grade

Now that the schools have reopened, have you gone back to school?

Yes

What are the measures that you saw that the government created for you to study safely?

Social distance of one meter, the use of mask constantly, hands washing with water and soap, the use of the alcohol-gel, take a damp cloth with bleach to clean the desks, division of  the classes, do not lend personal school material to colleagues, nor pencil, neither notebook, nor book.

And how do you feel? Are you enjoying it or are you very scared?

We're enjoying it. We should not be afraid, because if we prevent ourselves from this disease we will not get sick but if we do not take care of ourselves we will be contaminated.

We should not expect someone in our family to get coronavirus, we must keep in mind that the enemy may be our neighbor!

The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown is an unprecedented situation in modern times. It is hard to gauge the full impact that the situation is having on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.   

Pupils’ experiences of the lockdown period will have been very varied. For some, it will mostly have been a safe and enjoyable time. For others, it will have been challenging or traumatic. Schools and teachers are used to supporting their pupils through challenges that they face in life – the current situation will amplify those situations many times over.  

Finelma added that teachers appeal to take at least two masks when going to school, not to borrow anything from their classmates, nor water or food if someone asks for it.