IMPACT OF COVID 19 LOCKDOWNS ON THE EDUCATION SECTOR. THE CASE OF RWANDA

Abstract

Globally, coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on the day-to-day human activities and various sectors of economy in different countries education being one of the sectors with education sector being one of them. It is increasingly clear that apart from the medical health and overall social impact of the coronavirus, the economic impact will be very deeply felt and for a long time. COVID-19 outbreak has posed serious threats concerns to global education systems with the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 prompting temporarily unscheduled closure of schools with other schools closing permanently. However, learning has not stopped but it is currently taking place via online platforms as schools and universities provide remote teaching. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on education sector; the case of Rwanda. The study adopted a survey design. The target population for the study was 150 respondents who included educators, students, parents and policy makers from the three districts of Kigali City. Self-prepared questionnaires were administered to 110 respondents. Due to the lockdown, the questionnaires were administered online using digital survey platform. During literature review secondary data was generated from media sources such as newspapers as well as journals, and reports during the review of literature. Thereafter, factorial analysis was conducted on the collected data using STATA. The results showed that COVID-19 had adverse effects on education including, learning disruptions, and decreased access to education and research facilities. It also led to Job losses and increased student debts. The findings further revealed that many educators and students relied on technology to ensure continued e-learning during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, online education was hindered by limited digital skills, poor infrastructures including, network connectivity, need clarification power, inaccessibility and unavailability issues. The study underscored the damaging effects of COVID-19 on education sector and the need for educational institutions, educators, and learners to embrace technology, and improve their digital skills to respond to the emerging global trends and realities in the education sector. The study concluded that the lockdown had provided young students unique opportunity to effectively utilize sample time to acquire new skills through digital platforms. In addition to attending the online classes conducted by educational institutions, students learn life skills education such as hygiene, moral and family values through frequent family interactions.

 However, there were various challenges related to online education system and closure of the educational institutions. This situation required quick reforms in the education system to embrace digital technology and encourage personal development. The study recommended that preventing a learning crisis from becoming a generational catastrophe required urgent action from all stakeholders. Education is not only a fundamental human right but is an enabler and integral component with direct impact towards full realization  all other human rights. It is a global common good and a primary driver of progress across 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Education is a bedrock of just, equal and inclusive peaceful societies. When education systems collapse, peace, prosperous and productive societies cannot be sustained. Further study could be undertaken on students’ performance after COVID-19 lockdowns.

Keywords: Lockdowns, Coronavirus pandemic, Education

CITATION: Rwigema, P. C. (2021). Impact of COVID 19 lockdowns on the education sector. The case of Rwanda. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 8 (1), 150 – 169.