February 12, 2021
Primary school principal Bernd: 'Children need to see each other'
Bernd Reichrath is the assistant principal of St. Stefanus primary school in Wijnandsrade, Limburg, and an intermediary for the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture. The second lockdown was still in effect when we spoke to Bernd. What impact is the coronavirus crisis having on vulnerable children?
Keeping in touch with the children during the lockdown is a major challenge. How did Bernd and his colleagues handle it? "From grade 3 onwards, the children receive fully online education. They log in every morning," says Bernd. "We also regularly contact the parents to ask how things are going at home. Children of parents with crucial professions came to emergency childcare. In addition, children whose home situation is vulnerable also went to school. During the lockdown, the children received devices to work online, but when there are four children at home doing online education, it becomes difficult."
Heartbreaking
Vulnerable situations abound, Bernd knows. In fact, the number of vulnerable families is increasing as a result of the coronavirus crisis. "In these families, it's necessary to give the child and the family more peace of mind by having the child come to school. Most parents are happy with the offer because they're at their wits' end. Others need a little encouragement, and then you see them come forward after a few days because it's just not possible to manage at home. Fortunately, these are exceptions. We try to ease the tension in families as much as possible."
Parents can no longer pay the membership fee
Most families who were vulnerable before the coronavirus crisis are already identified. But because of the coronavirus, that number is growing. "Fortunately, we haven't noticed much of that at our school yet," says Bernd. "But we are seeing it in our Parkstad region. I'm a board member of a gymnastics club, and membership is declining. Parents are withdrawing their children, for example, because they've lost their jobs and can no longer afford the membership fees. We refer them to you, of course, but referring them from the club is more difficult than at the school where I know the parents. Probably not all children will re-enroll when gymnastics is allowed again. These are uncertain times. People prefer to keep their money in their wallets. It's unfortunate for the child, but also worrying for the future of the sports club."
Children need to see each other
At school, Bernd knows the families and recognizes poverty. “Thankfully, the children are allowed to go back to school. It's better to see them in person so you can see how a family works. Then you see it when a little boy doesn't get enough in his lunch box. Or when he doesn't have a winter coat. Or the girl who can never tell you about something fun she did at the weekend. Generally, parents are very happy when you bring it up. They hear that there are options. They often don't dare to take the step themselves, but when you make the first move, they're happy. Hopefully, it won't be too long before they can go back to the sports club or cultural activity. Children suffer because they can no longer enjoy themselves during sports or at their clubs. Children need to see each other.”
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