Take extra initiatives to make up loss caused by long school holidays

Due to the holy Eid-ul-Azha and the summer vacation, all educational institutions in the country have fallen into the trap of a long holiday. This year, combining Eid-ul-Azha holidays with the summer vacation, students have been given a continuous 19-day break. However, for primary schools, the holiday duration is a bit longer, with students enjoying leave from June 3 to June 23. Before that, due to the holy Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and various other occasions, students had already enjoyed continuous holidays ranging from 40 to 50 days. Moreover, after Eid-ul-Fitr, the SSC exams began, and due to exam seating, many schools had to suspend regular classes during that time. This year, there was also a delay of about three to four months in receiving new textbooks. In short, students have barely had any substantial study time in the first half of the year.

To make up for the holiday losses, many schools held classes on Saturdays before Eid-ul-Fitr; but even that does not seem sufficient to compensate for the loss. Once school resumes now, students will only have five months left in the year. After that, the annual exams will begin. According to reports, many secondary school students have not been able to complete more than two to three chapters in any subject. So, how can they possibly complete the entire syllabus in the remaining five months?

Experts say that to regain students’ focus after such a long break, teachers and parents must take extra measures. Especially during the high temperatures from mid-June to July, they have recommended special arrangements for both teachers and students to continue uninterrupted classes. Although the suggestions are good, we know that in reality, very little of it will be implemented. It might be extreme heat, or it might be heavy rains. There is also a risk of flooding this year. Altogether, students are caught in a difficult cycle.

If students move on to the next class without completing the syllabus, many will not properly understand the designated topics in their textbooks. If schools remain closed for an average of about 3 months each year, completing the syllabus becomes impossible for anyone. For students in Bangladesh, this seems to be a tragic fate. If they are not pulled out of this vicious cycle, it is clear that Bangladesh’s education system will completely collapse.

Still, there is time to make up for this loss. Additional initiatives must be taken immediately to recover from the effects of the long break. As soon as schools reopen, well-planned measures must be taken to ensure full-scale teaching begins right away. Subjects like science, math, and English must be given extra attention and effort. If these subjects are neglected, the gaps last a lifetime. Students should not be passed through token exams only to suffer lifelong consequences.