EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON AFRICAN STUDENTS
Coronavirus outbreak has severely affected millions of students across the globe, and African students are no exceptions. They are the most affected ones, compared to others from developed and more economically strong continents. The pandemic has been a huge challenge for most African countries, directly affecting the educational system. Primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Africa are facing closures, and most schools are struggling to transition from the traditional way of making education available to students, to the newly coronavirus-inspired way of teaching (online learning).
The pandemic has impacted African students to the extent that they are unable to fully attend classes, particularly students that attend public institutions. Most African countries such as Liberia, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Rwanda, and South Africa amongst others, have tried to keep up with the world by introducing “online education” regardless of the challenges such as limited access to internet, electricity or computers. Most African countries are staying active through several remote learning methods such as television programs, radio transmission, and social media. Due to the expensiveness associated with online education, this initiative is only delivered by private institutions that have the needed facilities and tools for online learning. This leaves millions of African students left out and unsure about their academic future.
The
forced transition from in-person to online learning has also intensified the digital
divide, which describes the gap between those who have access to the internet
and technology at home, and those who do not. Most families can neither afford
hardcopy books nor internet charges to contribute to their children’s education
making independent study even more difficult. There are inadequate digital
schools in Africa and other virtual platforms where students can interact with
their teachers and professors. Most students come from families struggling to
survive and are unable to afford internet charges thereby making online
education accessible only to a limited population of students in Africa.
African students’ education is not only
disrupted, and their productivity affected, they are also facing social issues
due to restricted mobility and isolation. Before the pandemic, schools and
universities had been the social centers for students. They had enjoyed physical
interactions, which are necessary for learning and managing mental health. The
feeling of anxiety, loneliness, fear, and negative emotional spirals, feelings
of sadness, hopelessness, and ambiguity are dominating African students. And
these feelings are enough to cause lack of focus, motivation, and dedication
which can jeopardize the education of our youths.
The
COVID-19 outbreak has hit hard on African education systems. The continent has
witnessed her students struggling as a result of the continent’s lack of good
governance and preparation. In an attempt to stop the spread of the pandemic,
various African nations had to close down educational institutions, and the
repercussions of this are unbearable to African students since their academic
performance and health are harshly affected. We call on the government, heads
of institutions and philanthropists to look out for the students and organize
programs to keep them engaged as we strive to survive this global pandemic.
Stay
safe and healthy☺.
REFERENCES
Franck Kuwonu, F.K., 15 May 2020. “Radio lessons: In Africa schools are closed, but learning goes on” Available form: https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/may-2020/coronavirus/africa-schools-are-closed-learning-goes[accessedOctober 23rd 2020]
Dan Jezreel A. Orendain and RiyantiDjalante, D.O,R.D, 22nd June 2020. “Six Ways the COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Students and Another Six Ways They Cope with It” Available from: https://www.ingsa.org/covidtag/covid-19-commentary/orendain-unu/[accessed October 23rd 2020]
StaySafe, thanks
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