As preschool and primary school students finally return to school for in-person learning after a long campus closure triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are still filled with mixed emotions, especially anxiety and hesitancy.

A local pre-school kid has her body temperature measured before entering class. Photo: Xuan Dung

As noted, on February 21, the first day of in-person learning for preschoolers and primary school pupils across Da Nang after nine-month of online learning due to COVID-19 waves, the rate of the students going to school was still low, only at more than 60% and about 30% as recorded at primary and preschools, respectively. 

The main reason was that many students who are confirmed as COVID-19 patients or close contacts had to stay at home to maintaining online learning whilst some parents are afraid to send their children to school amidst the unpleasant cold weather and the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city.

Mr. Le Minh Hung, a resident in Man Thai Ward, Son Tra District, whose child learn at a preschool in Son Tra District, said that the school re-opened to children from February 21 in accordance with the regulations by the municipal Department of Education and Training and the survey of parental consent. However, he is still not confident about sending his child to school duo to fears over COVID-19 transmission.

Meanwhile, many primary school parents have let their children come back to school, but they are quite worried about their safety at school. “I'm taking my child, a 4th-grader, to school but I am overwhelmed with confusion and anxiety.

My child has yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and he can get the virus from classmates and transmit it to family members. Despite my anxiety, he was very eager to make school return. So, I decided to let him return to school.”, said Ms. Phan Trang, a resident in Hoa Phat Ward, Cam Le District.

Trang has prepared face masks, a drinking water bottle and told her child to carefully avoid the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Although the percentage of students coming back to school on the first day was not high, it is still expected that the number of school returnees will increase in the coming weeks.

Principal of Hai Chau District-based Ong Ich Khiem Primary School Duong Thi Dong Bang said that in-person learning will help boost the interaction between teachers and students and help students to absorb lessons more smoothly. Therefore, we would like parents to let their children return to school as soon as possible.

Similarly, Principal of Cam Nhung Kindergarten in Thanh Khe District Ta My Tran said that on the first day of welcoming children back to school, all teachers and staffers were very excited. “We are ready for all options to ensure the safety of our pupils. Starting March 1, more parents are expected to register for their children’s school attendance. We will do our best and continue to encourage parents to send their children to school in the future,” said Ms. Tran.

Reporting by NGOC HA – Translating by A. THU