Preparing Primary Schools in Uganda for the ‘Next New Normal’ Using a Comparison to India

Abstract

The corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused the postponement of interpersonal educational activities amongst primary school students in Uganda, especially after-school activities in the fields of vocational training and sports. This virus was first identified in Entebbe, three days after the first national lockdown was enforced on 20 th March 2020. The lockdown banned all gatherings and travel in order to minimize the spread of this highly contagious virus. This lockdown forced all educational institutions to close for approximately 83 weeks/22 months. They were allowed to re-open on 10 th January 2022. The roughly two-year study suspension disrupted students’ progress but the most adversely affected person was the rural primary school girl.In India, the first national lockdown was enforced on 22 nd March 2020 and ran for 81 weeks/22 months. It was lifted on 18 th April but subsequent lockdowns were enforced because of the virus resurgence until 31 st December, 2021.Both countries had similar lockdown periods but dissimilar challenges and outcomes. During that lockdown, educational institutions in Uganda and India tried to use or used innovative virtual learning platforms to teach, examine and promote their students virtually because physical contact was banned. These experiences and many others forced and enlightened both countries to perform their regular tasks/work under the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. It was dubbed as ‘the new normal’. Keywords: Uganda, India, national lockdown, primary schools, after-school activities, open distance learning platforms DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-36-05 Publication date: December 31 st 2022