Hundreds of schools in Arakan fall short of COVID-19 preventive standards

By Khin Tharaphy Oo 23 Jul 2020

Khin Tharaphy Oo | DMG
23 July, Sittwe

Hundreds of basic education high schools throughout Arakan State do not meet the required standards for COVID-19 preventive measures, according to state education officials.

Out of 440 basic education high schools in Arakan State, 221 schools cannot be designated as “A” grade, despite many having been equipped with virus preventive measures.

However, since July 20 the relevant officials have begun working on the reopening of schools that fall short of the standard. So far, the number of basic education schools that have been designated as “A” grade has reached 39, according to the Arakan State Education Office.7 schools that meet the standard in northern Arakan State, excluding Rathedaung and Myebon townships, while 12 schools have opened in southern Arakan State, excluding Kyaukphyu, Thandwe and Manaung townships, according to a list released by the Arakan State Education Office on July 22.

“Teachers and staff are struggling to ensure that ‘B’ grade and ‘C’ grade schools meet the standards required for ‘A’ grade schools,” said U Tin Thein, an Arakan State education officer.

Currently, three basic education high schools in Ramree and Ann townships have opened. Efforts are being made to make sure that other schools meet the required standards, said U Khin Maung Oo, assistant director of the Kyaukphyu District Education Office.

“Other schools are unable to open as they do not meet ‘A’-grade standard. Township education officers are trying to undertake the necessary fieldwork in order that these schools meet the required standards in time,” U Khin Maung Oo said.

Basic education high schools that meet the ‘A’-grade standard required for COVID-19 prevention and mitigation have been allowed to open since July 21.

There are 3,058 A-grade schools, 1,166 B-grade schools and 814 C-grade schools throughout the nation, according to a July 21 statement from the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education has issued a directive calling for the opening of middle and primary schools only after the opening of basic education high schools.