On March 14, the Ministry of Health sent a public notice on the new measures to prevent COVID-19 spread. One of the measures was to close all schools and higher education institutions, public and private, effective Monday 16.

However, in this period that learners are away from school, how can they stay on track so that they don’t fall back on their studies?

Divin Lione Dushimimana, a student at Green Hills Academy, Nyarutarama, notes that the school will continue conducting classes through Google classrooms where students will be able to study online, with their teachers and also do assignments and submit them online to be marked by teachers.

He says, with effect from March 23, all students at Green Hills Academy will be learning with their teachers through video. They will wake up early as usual and follow the learning timetable.

Dushimimana calls upon his fellow students to utilise the internet for research and make use of textbooks to widen their knowledge.

"Closure of schools doesn’t stop education. There is hope that soon the scourge will come to an end and schools will continue normally. Therefore, during this time when students are at home, they should not sit idle and wonder what next.

"Instead, parents should ensure that learning continues at home by helping their children to design a programme of self-study at home,” explains Enos Tumwikirize, a teacher at Kigali Parents’ School, Kimironko.

He further notes that this can be possible through forming timetables that allow learners to revise all subjects as indicated on the timetable. It is the parents’ duty to follow up and make sure that learners are actually making progress.

Tumwikirize also says that parents can consult their children’s teachers to know how far they have gone with the syllabus so that learners can catch up quickly with the programme. And also put more emphasis on the notes that have been taught so far, or even read ahead to prepare for school.

According to Gilbert Nuwagaba, an English and Literature teacher at Maranyundo Girls’ School Nyamata, in this period, teachers have made use of the internet and started social media groups that they are using to connect with their learners, give them lessons and tips for effective revision.

Learners also have their teachers’ phone contacts and email addresses so that they can reach them, in case of any questions, or inquiries, he adds.

Brian Ishimwe, a senior six student at King David Academy, Kanombe, says that the school’s administration already communicated that the learners of this school will receive notes and units assessments from teachers via emails.

For Bernice Kamikazi, a senior two student at Maranyundo Girls’ School Nyamata, all students were cautioned by teachers to use this time for continuous revision, not rest, because they will be expected to sit for examinations when school recommences.

Kamikazi urges fellow learners to make use of past papers while revising because they cover a wide scope of the syllabus.

"Students should know that they are not home to relax, for holidays or leisure, which is why they should use every moment as though they are sitting for exams tomorrow, because, before long, they will be back in school,” says Alex Byaruhanga, a father of five and a resident of Gisozi.

Byaruhanga encourages all learners to stay focused, organised and shun using social media as it breeds distraction.

He says, during teachers’ absence, parents should play the role of teachers and assess learners and provide them with all the necessary reading materials.