‘See What The COVID-19 Has Done To Our Children’

BY MARY JOY OROLA

The lock-down caused by the COVID-19 may have been eased down across the country, but its effect of over almost six months is still heavy in many hearts, and evident in many lives.

Scholars at all levels of learning were no less hit and recount their tales of woe in interviews with The Eagle correspondent.   

‘’How can they say education is important if a common disease can shut it down?’’

The above question was what Nifemi Oladeinde, a Primary five pupil in one of the Nursery/Primary Schools at Ifako Local Government in Lagos state asked in response when I asked her how she is coping with the stay-at-home order as a result of the pandemic.

Her answer was not different from that of other pupils and students.

Nifemi said though she enjoys the time she has had to spend with her family and grateful they are all alive, she still misses going to school.

– See What 1-

Another pupil of about six years who was arguing with his sister over the class he would be when school resumes blamed his confusion on Covid-19 and claimed he was done with school.

As funny as his resolve is, the fact remains that the pandemic actually disrupted and changed many things amongst which is killing the strong confidence these young ones have in Schooling.

Andrew, an SSS2 student also explained how badly he feels concerning the lock down of schools.

‘’We were told education is the best legacy parents can ever give to their children and told to give it our best shot. We wake up early to go to school, burn midnight candles reading, punished for skipping classes or not doing assignment, and a disease without a form came and took all that away. It’s not adding up. It means education is not as important as we were told or it was hyped beyond what it is.’’

See What 2 –

Another student who was not pleased interjected the discussion, “And to think that businesses continued even when education stopped after my mum told me that I cannot  live comfortably in the future without education; how does that add up for goodness sake?’’

‘’Education is a scam jare. Nobody needs it to be comfortable these days.’’ Andrew replied him and both walked away leaving me gaping at their retreating figure.

-See What 3 –

Their responses and hurt are indeed an eye to a whole new perspective of human existence and co-habitation. It is so easy to put children and teenagers on the side line, not regarding their opinion. Parents make decisions in the family, also government, schools and the society at large in the name of having their best interest at heart, not thinking twice on how it can affect the younger generation on all grounds.

Some of these youths are left confused on where to pick up from when schools resume while some took to skill acquisition and trade. This further established the typical thought of education not being ‘important’. Many believe the reason they go to school is to secure a good future. So, seeing that Covid-19 has shut down schools perceived to be the only answer to a secured future, they took to trade and skills, and they are making money from it.

Kunle, an undergraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state said, ‘‘since the Pandemic I gave full attention to my skill which is Computer Engineering. I am glad I was well equipped for this time.’’

To him, it does not matter if the pandemic lasted another five month because he can maintain a steady state of livelihood and not think of school.

– See What 4–

This further corroborates the mindset certain part of our society has regarding education. While formal education is not meant for a luxurious future primarily, it is still a hope of a more comfortable life.

This latter is what some parents have sold to their children and what Government sometimes sell out when they take some decisions or keep silent on certain issues concerning the youths.

It is important we emphasize that education is for enlightenment and advancement; it cannot be replaced with having money or doing well at a trade.

Agnes Oladeinde, an undergraduate of the University of Lagos and a budding fashion designer stated the dividing line between being educated formally and having a skill when asked if she will leave formal education for her acquired skill.

See What-5

‘’I won’t leave formal education. Formal education is a basic necessity needed to survive in our modern world. Survival is not about having to something to eat or money to spend alone. It is about being relevant – having something to offer the society, helping my parents, and most importantly, making myself responsible.  The world is modern and civilized so no one should be uneducated. Get education and also get the skill; the two work together.’’

When she was asked how the two work together, she replied, ‘’As the pandemic started, what did I switch to?’’

Though without formal education, her skill will not take her far as she confessed, it is still undeniable that it was her skill that enabled her go through the stay-at-home period.

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While some older students tried to scale through, engaging themselves by reading online, joining educative groups on social media and online classes, some,  those who do not have the means were left stranded and dangling. So many of them feel left out and abandoned, thereby succumbing to depression, peer pressure and bad habits from the internet and movies.

Without doubt, Covid-19 affected us greatly; however it is believed that things we get back to normal quickly and students will find their feet again if all safety and health measures are strictly adhered to.