Ministry reacts to SBASK over demand to postpone learning for 10 days

Enver Osdautaj, senior political adviser to the cabinet of Minister of Education and Science Ram Likaj, told Radio Free Europe that in all activities realised for preparations of the new school year in pandemic time, the ministry has not overlooked SBASK in any case.

For the start of the new pre-university school year, with the three publicised scenarios, Osdautaj said it was in advance agreed with all competent activists, including the Parents and SBASK Council.

I am particularly surprised by the SBASK's release of this request, when the SBASK in all processes so far has been an active part of information and meetings. I don't understand the SBASK, when demands for the start of the school year have come from municipal education directors, have come from schools and the Parents' Council”, Osdautaj said.

On Wednesday, the Kosovo government approved the Education and Science Ministry plan for the start of the new pre-university school year in three phases, starting on September 1st.

According to Osdautaj, the ministry's plan is done at the recommendation of health institutions.

The SBASK requested Thursday that the new school year be postponed in 10 days.

The chairman of this union, Nundman Jasharaj, told Radio Free Europe that schools have not completed preparations for starting lessons in pandemic times.

In a media communiqué, however, the SBASK called on the Government of Kosovo and the Ministry of Education and Science to equip schools with disinfectant and appoint responsible but uninstructive persons for measuring student temperatures.

It was also asked that in schools, caregivers -- at least those with more than 500 students -- have access to a test for COVIDD-19 educational personnel.

Based on the plan adopted by the Kosovo government the previous day, it is envisioned for the new school year to begin in phases.

The first is expected to begin on September 1st and includes pre-schoolers, first, second, third, sixth and tenth grades.

The second phase will begin on 7 September and includes fourth and fifth classes, while the third stage of learning will begin on September 10th and will include seventh, eighth, ninth, 11th and 12th classes.

And according to the epidemiological situation, the teaching plan will take place in three scenarios: going back to schools, combined learning and learning at a distance.