Dominican schools all prepared for the "New Normal"

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit's recent Anou Palay episode remained education-centric as new school session begins in the first week of September. Minister of Education Octavia Alfred and PS for Education Chandler Hyacinth discussed how the new normal would be in Dominican schools.

Prime Minister Dr Roosvelt Skerrit stated that the safety of its students is the utmost responsibility and would not be neglected at all cost. All the schools would practice social-distancing and follow the health protocols.

As the world is going through unprecedented times because of COVID-19, most of the education and work has gone online, where these two guests on Anou Palay made it clear that Dominican schools are also preparing to improve the internet connectivities in educational institutions.

Permanent Secretary for Education, Human Resource Planning Mrs Chandler Hyacinth stated that all teachers and principals are being trained for the new normal.

Permanent Secretary stated that new handbooks are currently under creation to disseminate health and safety information to safeguard the students and other school staff as the new session awaits in September.

"We are ready with supplies to prepare schools for hygiene guidelines and social-distancing. The cleaning staff is undergoing training to keep the areas sanitised," added Chandler Hyacinth.

Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence Octavia Alfred stated that the large number of young people showing interest towards the agriculture sector shows a positive sign and she is meeting up with the Minister of Agriculture and other officers this week to discuss how these new farmers can be assisted.

She added that the housing condition in the Castle Bruce constituency is great and 124 families recently shifted to their new climate-resilient homes constructed under the housing Dominica initiative.

Furthermore, she asserted that Dominica is in a better place than ever for this Hurricane Season as there are more shelters and people are moving in new homes in big numbers.

She added that good results are being anticipated from Castle Bruce Secondary school, and students are being facilitated with all the necessities to meet their education requirements.

As per Minister Alfred, the schools are also preparing to start smart-room classes, and the equipment would be made available soon.