By Sarmila Bagale

The COVID-19 appeared as a crisis in health sector. Though, it broke down for the first time in China and now it has been a hindrance for many sectors like economic, agriculture, education, etc. Here, the intention of this article is to raise the issue of education especially in Nepal.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide. By April 2020, the closures of schools, colleges and universities across the world have affected approximately 1.723 billion learners. UNESCO stated that more than 191 countries had declared nationwide closures of schools and universities. The closures of educational institutions impacting for about 98.4 per cent of the world's student population will cause serious problem in the days to come. The UNESCO had estimated that 473,933,356 learners of pre-primary and secondary level were potentially at risk. Similarly, 77,938,904 learners are practically at risk in tertiary education.

The shutdown of schools/universities will affect the students, teachers and families, society and finally its far-reaching economic and societal consequences destroy the entire countries as well. It will add problems in economic sector, food supply, and housing. In addition, joblessness and homelessness, problem in health care, student in debt will be the immediate drawbacks of the corona pandemic in youths.  In response to the closure of schools, the UNESCO has recommended the use of distance and online learning programmes that will create open educational platforms for the students in order to minimize the immediate impacts of untaught time for learners. 

Following notice of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) schools, colleges and universities in Nepal have announced end of classes in educational institutions and postponed the exams’ schedules to prevent the possible transmission risk of coronavirus pandemic. Though the first case of the coronavirus pandemic was reported in Nepal on 24 January 2020, the MoEST had forwarded a notice on 18 March 2020 to postpone the exams of the SEE that affected 482,707 students directly. After long time the Government of Nepal, declared to uplift the SEE students on the basis of internal marking system. However, the University Education system is still uncertain. The authority of TU, the largest University of TU, is not able to take decision on exam system.

Again, it is the part of disappointment that the children have not generally been sent out to play. The threat of pandemic is still in continuation and the children are within four walls only. Therefore, the learners are missing out too much. The economic condition of Nepal does not allow the schools and universities to develop new classrooms in order to manage distance sitting location for the students. The severe drawback felt by many parents across the world is a growing massive shock for securing learners’ social life and learning.

If any ruler desires to transform the people and society towards the new destination, the ruler must do something new to achieve that goal through education only. Keeping it in mind, the government of Nepal should introduce online teaching and examination system in universities and schools. With immediate trial and error, the present uncertainty and chaos in educational sector should be over. Importantly, it is a high time to start new thing in education field. The government of Nepal should not take it as an economic burden. Quite the contrary, it might be the golden chance for us. If the government of Nepal really did it to impart quality education, it can have long-term positive consequences in education sector. If we did it in time in order to win the obstacle of present time, it definitely will empower the learners. It, then, will teach our students to spend competitive life.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of millions learners around the globe.  In educational field, the needed innovation is to provide the digital devices to schools and universities to cope with the problems. The new shifts in education approaches could bridge gaps. If it is not addressed in a systematic ways, it will widen the gaps. It is the time to explore the ways teachers can support their students online. In the wake of the school shutdowns following the coronavirus pandemic, the government should take a step back and focus on new possible matter most. This means that prioritising the creation of an open and clear channel of communication with both students and parents is an essential first step. 

The regular delivery classes through the use of technology can support to make the students engaged for the time being. In order to safeguard the future of students the useful resources for learners should be offered by educational institutions in free of cost. If so, the students can experience several benefits during the time of Coronavirus pandemic.  The online learning and using the modern resources for teachers and students can embrace these possibilities. Then, the parents will be equally as happy as students. It is good thing for learners, teachers and parents.

Finally, it the good for the government of Nepal from which young learners will have a greater opportunity as well as responsibility to fight with present on-going problems. With the focus on digital learning, many young learners will have new and potential access on online content. Therefore, the biggest priority for both teachers and students is to use the present time for the future. Every forward-thinking official of university and school should create an info-graphic atmosphere to safeguarding the situation of distance learning in Nepal.  From this way, we can fight against Covid-19 for educational justice in Nepal. Otherwise, we will be a great loser in the future. (Bagale is President, Hamro Samriddha Nepal. She can be reached at osnepal74@gmail.com)