COVID-19 may have paused normal school schedules, however, students have been encouraged to continue with their studies at home, — using various tools like the internet and broadcast (radio and TV). As parents take on the teachers’ role, students share with The New Times their home-schooling experience. Divin Lionel Dushimimana, 16 Parents are supportive by making sure students follow or take online classes, and helping in lessons where possible. For instance, my parents did sciences so I can ask them for assistance where I don’t understand or need more explanation. Parents also help in creating engaging conversations about coronavirus so that we are aware of all the information and differentiate between accurate and false information. My parents also strengthen me mentally and emotionally, so that I don’t think that the world is coming to an end, or that we will all lose our lives due to the pandemic. Their continuous support keeps my heart at peace, hence enabling me concentrate on my studies. nesses better. -- Kendra, 10 Parents are handling parenting, teaching and their own work at the same time. But they sacrifice or provide learners with gadgets like laptops that are useful for online classes. In addition, my parents assist me in time management. For instance, they guide me on how best to spend my time after learning — through playing or taking part in other activities like home chores. At the end of the day, I have played, learned, and done house chores, hence limiting the time I spend on TV. They also encourage physical exercises to keep me fit and refresh my mind. -- Enock Rutaganda, 16 Since I have multiple online classes during the course of the week, my parents provide me with monthly internet so that I don’t miss out on any classes. When I take a break from the online school work, we get time with them where we discuss about the current situation, and they advise and urge me to keep safe. Because we get time to talk, I am not stressed about COVID-19, like before. Parents should, therefore, be open with their children and discuss in depth about coronavirus, how to prevent it and avoid its spread, but not assuming that they already know. It can assist them to avoid stress or depression. Remember if you don’t talk to them, social media will feed them with a lot of false information. -- Esther Kalisa, 15 My parents are really helpful during this lockdown, especially in my academics. They provide all that I need for my studies to go on as normal, they provide a good studying environment, the necessary requirements like, Wi-Fi, computers, among others. They are parents but at the same time teachers, because they make sure that I am in class on time, and hand in my work on time. They are also willing to help in case of consultation. My parents understand that online studying is for my own benefit and are always with me, every step of the way. --
