KBRN, Jakarta: Starting this September, most schools in Indonesia have implemented Face-to-Face Learning (PTM), as the COVID-19 Pandemic in the country continues.
This limited PTM is permitted to be applied to areas with PPKM level 2 and 3 status, including the Java-Bali area.
Although it is mandatory to take place with strict health protocols, in fact PTM still causes anxiety for parents.
On the one hand, it is recognized that distance learning makes the quality of children's education decline. But on the other hand, physical interaction during PTM is feared to be a medium of transmission of COVID-19 in the school environment.
This dilemmatic situation prompted Makuku Family as a leading mother and child brand that cares about the health and development of Indonesian children to hold a webinar with the theme "Facing Face-to-Face School, Are Parents Ready?", on Tuesday (28/9/2021).
The CEO of Makuku Family, Mr. Jason Lee stated that this webinar was needed to help parents to be better prepared for face-to-face schooling, especially in terms of health.
“We want to share with everyone about health information. Especially how do we reduce or prevent the spread of COVID-19 during PTM," said Lee.
This discussion featured influencer Zee Zee Shahab, a mother of two who is currently also facing face-to-face school. Also present were consultant pediatricians from Makuku Family, dr. Andreas M.Ked (Ped). Sp.A and Brand Representative of Makuku Family, Chairunissa.
The first speaker, Zee Zee Shahab, admitted that distance learning which lasted almost two years was not an ideal method.
“My first child is 8 years old, entering elementary school in grade 1 during the pandemic. He didn't even know the names of his classmates. Now he likes to make things easy. If I can't, I just have to google or just call mommy," vented Zee Zee.
Although studying at home has many weaknesses, it does not mean that Zee Zee is ready to let her child go back to school. "Honestly, I'm not ready for the consequences. For now online school is better. I'm one of the parents who are a bit overthinking, so far I haven't given permission (PTM)," said Zee Zee.
"School or high school students may already understand health protocols, how to socialize during the Pandemic. But if elementary school is not the time, yes, because when you meet friends the euphoria is different. You can immediately take off your mask and forget to keep your distance," he added.
Consultant pediatrician from Makuku Family, dr. Andreas is also aware that the home study method causes stress, not only for children but also for parents.
But to hold PTM now, dr. Andreas considered it a hasty policy. "The government's PTM decision was taken after seeing positive cases and the death rate had dropped. But keep in mind that the vaccination coverage for children aged 12-18 years in Indonesia has not reached 80 percent," he said.
"The problem is, the availability of PCR test facilities in the regions is not as numerous as in Jabodetabek. We have to be careful too," said Dr. Andreas.
Another factor to consider is school readiness. “Schools are required to maintain progress, and their readiness is not just a matter of sinks or classrooms. But the mental readiness of teachers to deal with children who are chaotic and do not follow health protocols. Is the teacher ready?" asked dr. Andres.
In closing, Makuku Family Brand Representative Chairunissa alias Icha said, regardless of whether parents allow their children to participate in PTM or not, a healthy lifestyle must be a priority, especially during a pandemic.
“One of them brought his own eating and drinking utensils. Don't share tools with other people," concluded Icha.
Source : https://rri.co.id/jakarta/urban/1205740/ptm-dimulai-zee-zee-shahab-saat-ini-sekolah-online-masih-lebih-baik?utm_source=news_main&utm_medium=internal_link
