It is of concern to all citizens to know if the next state of public emergency would be extended to another 45days. let us say those that are deeply worried right now, at this stage are the  grade 12 and 9 students. These set of people are expected to be preparing for their WASSCE and GABECCE examination, but due to the world’s pandemic and the lockdown, everything has been delayed, no effective classes has been conducted according to students which has them worried and asking rhetorical questions like, “Is this virus ever going to end?”

Since the government of the Gambia confirmed it’s first covid-19 case on Tuesday, 17 March 2020, the Government has since then taken drastic measures to contain the deadly virus. The first state of public emergency was announced by President Barrow on 27 March, lasting for 7 days. Upon the expiration of that, the National Assembly declared 45 days state of emergency on 3 April and This expired on 17 May, yesterday.

“Let’s assume the parliament has agreed to increase the lockdown to another 45days, this will affect us as students, because, it is going to delay our education. I think they should seriously consider us in whatsoever decisions they are to take, let them put on strict measures in all schools and reopen the schools, am sure all students will adhere to this,” Said a grade 9 student who preferred to be unanimous.

Also in their target to curb the spread of the virus in the country, The ministry of basic and secondary education introduced a television and radio programme in all regions in the country to help students continue learning even in this trying times however,  many students Alleged that this is not productive, it is mainly for the primary and secondary students not senior secondary.

Harry Bah of nusrat senior secondary school, explains that the past 45days of  state of public emergency has affected her a lot

“I’ve discover that the way I use to study then and now is different, for now I have lost appetite in studying because staying at home its not encouraging.” Adding that the WhatsApp group classes organised by her fellow students, and some teachers is not effective because not all subjects are offered there. some co-subjects are being left out and it demands a lot of financing.  “With the WhatsApp classes, one  needs a lot of credit in order to read and download some audios which is not easy for us,” Harry lamented.

Some students at the rural Gambia also suggest that it would be better if parliament reject the extension of the state of public emergency and use another measures.

“it’s like there’s no state of public emergency in my village,  people are going out on their normal business. The only people affected is us the grade 12 and 9 students. We cannot go to school but we can go to the market, and other places,” Said Kaddy Dampha, a grade 12 student at Badibu njaba.

Students are calling on relevant stakeholders to at least provide solution to the problems they are faced with before extending the start of emergency to another 45days.

By:Awa Macalo

For Kairaba News Network