A total 54.7% of parents do not feel safe enough to send their children to schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recent survey.
On the other hand, 68% of teachers believe it is now safe for children to go to school.
Avra Bhattacharjee, joint director (dialogue and communications) of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), presented the results of the survey at a dialogue titled "Finally schools are opening: Are We Ready?"
The event was organized by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs.
Convener of the Citizen’s Platform and CPD fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya presided over the function, a press release said.
The online survey, titled “Citizen’s Platform Online Survey 2021,” was conducted on 1,960 participants, including both teachers and parents.
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The survey found that 67% of parents are not interested in paying extra “protection fees,” while 68.8% of teachers suggested government grants to cover additional costs.
It also found that 50.7% of parents think schools are not fit enough to comply with health guidelines, whereas 68% of teachers think they can ensure their school's health guidelines are followed.
Furthermore, 60.5% of respondents think schools should be open, although 52.2% of respondents said it increases the risk of infection.
Educational institutions, teachers and parents from 16 districts, government officials, public representatives, academics and economists participated in the dialogue and shared their views and recommendations.
The dialogue was also attended by prominent members of civil society, including civil society organizations, leaders and the media.
