The cost of the Covid-19 school closures and its impact on children — a new study by RESEP

A Grade 11 learner from Khayelihle High School in Umbumbulu in Kwa-Zulu Natal looks forward to schools reopening

A research paper from the University of Stellenbosch has recommended all children be allowed to return to schools and Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD) without delay.

Schools and ECD centres were closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The decision preceded the commencement of a hard lockdown in March.

Academics Servaas van der Berg and Nic Spaull argue that disruptions to a child’s care, education and health are no longer justified.

The researchers looked at five focus areas in their study, including the number of school days that have been lost and the social, economic and health costs associated with the lockdown and school closures.