Schools reopen in Congo’s Ebola epicenter despite concerns from parents and teachers
Teachers and parents urged a delay as officials equipped schools with thermometers and hand sanitizer, while the outbreak has killed 2,950 people since mid-May.
- On Tuesday, a new academic year began across the Democratic Republic of the Congo despite significant concerns from parents and teachers regarding ongoing Ebola risks in affected regions.
- Government data recorded 6,100 confirmed cases and 2,950 deaths as of Tuesday, with the virus spreading to more than 60 health zones and Ituri remaining the epicenter.
- Trade union member Budju Lobo Isaac argued schools must implement basic health measures including handwashing facilities and thermal scanners before allowing students to return safely.
- Education Minister Raissa Malu implemented tiered risk arrangements, requiring pupils in highest-risk areas to study from home using distributed workbooks and radio programs instead of nationwide closures.
- Professor Yap Boum of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention views school reopening as an opportunity to educate families on Ebola prevention, though experts note funding challenges persist.
58 Articles
58 Articles
🇨🇩 Ebola has passed the 3,000 death mark in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 6,000 cases have been recorded. As the virus continues to progress, parents of students are worried about the resumption of classes in affected areas.
DRC: Schools reopen in ebola epicentre despite concerns
As students around the world prepare to go back to school, the beginning of the academic year in the Democratic Republic of Congo is far from straightforward, as the country remains in the grips of an ebola outbreak.
As schools re-open, Congo drops remote learning plan in Ebola red zone
Schools reopened this week in areas of Democratic Republic of Congo hardest hit by Ebola, after authorities decided the risk of transmission was outweighed by the risk of pupils struggling with remote learning, an official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Congo-Kinshasa: DRC School Year Begins Amid Ebola, Strikes and Conflict
Millions of students returned to school across the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, but the new term began amid an Ebola outbreak affecting six provinces, a teachers' strike call and continuing conflict in the east. In AFC/M23-controlled territories, the movement organised the return to classrooms even as Kinshasa continued to pay primary and secondary school teachers.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
