STUDENTS can still proceed with their registration and attend classes with or without vaccination because a jab rollout exercise will be conducted later in all schools.
That’s according to the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) following concerns from a number of parents whose children are yet to be vaccinated and undergo registration.
Since the recent announcement by MEHRD for the start of the 2022 academic year, many parents have been faced with difficulties to prepare their children financially for classes and also getting their jab done.
For some rural parents, traveling to the nearest health centre is costing them extra money. Other parents are undecided.
In Western Province and other schools around the country its a compulsory requirement for all students to complete their two vaccination doses before undergoing their registration.
Vonunu National Secondary School is one that requires all students to get two doses before registering.
Because of this, a lot of students have made last minute dash to the nearest health centres to get their first and second jabs in the past days.
In Gizo students and their parents are arriving to get their jab.
Yesterday an official from the education office provided some relief to students who are yet to take their two doses.
The notice to all education authorities, school leaders and teachers said: “all students can go to their respective schools whether they are vaccinated or not. Vaccination will be rolled out in schools for students.”
The advise from the ministry also reminded all teachers that they are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
It was also highlighted that there is an understanding already with the Ministry of Health to rollout vaccination in schools.
“It’s actually a health advice to do that as it can be better managed in that manner,” the education official said.
Some schools have undergone their registration this week while others will commence next week.
Classes for secondary school will commence next week followed by primary schools within a fortnight followed by early childhood education centres in three weeks.
By MOFFAT MAMU
