HYDERABAD: Budget schools which mostly cater to the middle-class families are witnessing a drastic drop in student attendance after reopening. There are around 11,000 private schools in the state, out of which 8,500 are budget private schools. Before the outbreak of the pandemic, there were around 30 lakh students in these schools.
The phobia among parents that the novel Coronavirus could harm their children led to fewer students attending or joining schools. In addition to that, some parents are under the impression that there will be a third wave of pandemic any time soon, hence stopping their children from attending schools.
According to the Telangana Recognised School Managements’ Association, as of now only 40 to 45 per cent of students are attending classes in schools.
Uma Maheshwara Rao Konathala, president of the organisation, said, “Because of the negative mindset of parents, the schools are half filled. They should know by preventing them from attending schools is causing major damage to their learning process. When these students enter classes after a huge gap, they are unable to cope with the curriculum, and, in this competitive world, they will be left behind. The parents should understand that.”
He added, “From the last week of September, we have been getting enquiries from parents. As there are many holidays in October, most of the students did not join. Hopefully, by the end of this month, students will increase up to 70 per cent.”
Brigitte Michael, Principal of St Christopher School, said, “Our school hopes to see most of the students who have not joined yet. They will join either at the end of this month or the beginning of November. All our staff are vaccinated and schools are adhering to the safety precautions. Parents should understand that schools are safe places for children.”
