Truly, "We are not in
normal times". This has been the cliché to calm all fears and to
strengthen us as we fight the one enemy known as "coronavirus". This
enemy rose from an outbreak in Wuhan and now has become a devastating pandemic
within a period of months. According to figures
collated by John Hopkins University, the United States of America (USA) has, by
far, the largest number of cases, with more than 85,000 fatalities, and also
has the world's highest death toll. Followed by France, Italy, Spain and the UK
- the worst-hit European countries - with all of them recording more than
25,000 deaths. Ghana has recorded over 5,000 cases with few deaths and a good
number of recoveries.
With great efforts to curb
and eradicate this enemy, analysis and reports from the World Health Organization
(WHO) outlined some directive health protocols which could reduce the spread of
the virus. Some of these directives were to; practice social distancing, avoid social
gathering - in effect, closing schools and other institutions, and placing limits
on traveling. Reports have proven that these directives and others are yielding
positive results in controlling the spread, but have we thought of its
implications on students in rural areas?
Most students study best
on campus than at home. This is because of the availability of reading
materials, and other resources. Students, because of the directives by which schools
have been closed, are compelled to learn from home. This is a new culture creeping
in and it has been very difficult for students especially those in the rural and
the peri-urban areas who may not have access to books from a library and
assistance of real teachers. This is making studies from such homes a burden
for these students.
These same students living
in the rural areas became alarmed when there was the introduction of online
learning. Without access to electricity, the internet, smartphones and other technological
devices, students have become handicapped. This has rather put stress on the
students since they have no means of acquiring these devices and accessing the
internet to study with their other colleagues.
In attempt to overcome the
challenge of eLearning, students who chose to study on their own are gradually
becoming independent in studies. The spirit of group work and collective studies
is slowing down. If care is not taken, these students may gradually develop the
habit of self-centeredness and extreme independence in studies.
As students become
restless in prolonged waiting to return to school for studies, they begin to adopt
and adapt to new lifestyles that might keep them busy or occupied. Female
students who used to spend their vacation learning skills like baking or
trading are now idle at home. Male students who used to play around with their
other friends have their movements restricted. It is no doubt that in their
youthful ages, they have very strong sexual desires. If not checked, these male
students, having nothing else to do, might start exercising orgasms.
It could be observed that
most students in the rural areas depend on relatives in the urban areas to
support them. Such support often comes in the form of clothing, provisions, stationery,
food, etc. These benefits have now reduced since there are limits on traveling
and doing business. This is making life for the students very difficult.
Also, those families who took
loans or sold properties to send their wards to school are living in despair.
This is affecting their wards since their families now see them as burdens or the
unfortunate ones in the family. These feelings of the students could lead to depression
and other emotional, psychological and physical challenges with time.
In as much as the
President strives to put these helpful measures in place to control the spread
of the coronavirus, there is the need to look beyond and reach out to students
in rural areas who are disadvantaged due to these laid-down measures.
Rev. Fr. Stephen Kofi
Sakpaku
sonnichristus@yahoo.com
https://web.facebook.com/
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