Countries worldwide have closed schools at an alarming rate in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID 19 pandemics and Africa has not been left unscathed.
Out of the total population(1.5 billion children and youth) that has been left out of school, 743 million are girls. Over 111 million girls live in the worlds least developed countries where getting an education is already a struggle.
On March 15, President Akuffo-Addo ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Ghana affecting 9.2 million basic school students.
By June 7, Ghana has recorded 9,462 confirmed cases of COVID 19. Health experts predict there will be a rise in the number of confirmed cases in the coming weeks. This indicates that the closure of schools might extend for a longer period than expected.
The disadvantages faced by girls during this period of school closures include; domestic burdens, sexual/domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, just to name a few.
The school is the safest place for girls and young women. In Ghana, when girls are out of school they have challenges in acquiring essential services such as food from school feeding programmes and sexual and reproductive health services.
In addition, women are often the main caregivers in their homes, communities, and health facilities, which puts them at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
School, a safe place for girls
For girls, a school is more than a place for studying, a social safety net and a place where they can socialize, share experiences and access vital services such as food through school feeding programmes.
How do we ensure continuity of education during this pandemic?
In the mist where students can not go to class, distance learning through low technologies such as the radio and television should be used so as to have access to education for every girl either rich or poor. Teachers should also be mobilized to support distance learning programs.
SHE Achieve Afrika is keeping in contact with some of the affected groups through phone calls and online communications.
We are joining the World Health Organisation in educating the public on precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
As an organization, we are educating and sharing up-to-date World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Health information and directives through our networks in order to combat the spread of the virus.
Why your support is needed most at this time?
Since the pandemic, girls and women have been the most affected. Vices such as teenage pregnancy, sexual and domestic abuse are on the rise due to the closure of schools and educational institutions. Getting information and aid to girls in vulnerable positions is more difficult due to the lack of an assemble area(schools). Your support will be needed the most at this time to help the girls and women that would be most affected by this pandemic.
We urge all to continue following the precautionary measures so this virus passes quickly.