Strict to the Health Protocol for the sake of Face-to-Face Learning at School

Erni is one of the senior high school students in Kupang Regency who is experiencing worries and anxiety about the state of the school during the pandemic. Erni's worries and anxieties include the lack of accessibility in accessing subject matter online and the lack of social interaction with friends. 

"Since the school closed and I was required to study on my own, I had a hard time understanding the lessons given by the teacher," said Erni.

The state of the school during the pandemic made everything very limited. The absence of a device and the limited internet quota, as well as the prohibition to carry out learning in class, makes Erni difficult to adapt.

“My friends and I live in the school dormitory. My friends and I tend to play rather than study because for me the presence of a teacher is very important in helping us understand a learning material. When schools were allowed to meet face-to-face, I felt very depressed and worried about our health,” said the child who loves to sing.

Erni and friends have been starting to do face-to-face learning. To overcome their worries, Erni and her friends strictly enforce health protocols at school, such as keeping a distance, wearing masks, washing hands, and limiting the number of study hours.

Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) through the EAST project supported by Unicef supports Erni and students at her school to adhere to strict health protocols. Through the activities of involving youth and risk communication in schools, as well as dissemination of the Covid-19 prevention, WVI helps students to be more confident in conducting face-to-face learning.

"Improved facilities and infrastructure, as well as the presence of a Covid-19 task force team on duty at the school level, ensure that people who come to our school must comply with health protocols," she added.

Erni and other students continue to work together to keep schools free from the spread of the Coronavirus. By implementing this way, the children at school can continue to learn face-to-face and pursue their dreams.

Written by: Christianti Rebeca Pombu, East Wahana Visi Indonesia Project Staff