Kindergartens on verge of closure in Jessore

Educational institutions across the country are struggling to sustain without any income since March 17 when the government shut down all schools to contain Covid-19 transmission in Bangladesh. 

The scenario isn’t any different for kindergartens in Sharsha upazila of Jessore to that end.

According to the upazila education office, there are 337 kindergarten schools in Jessore and among them, 53 schools are in Sharsha upazila.

The owners of the institutions are struggling to pay rent and its teachers’ salaries on account of no school activities for seven months. 

As a result, these privately owned educational institutions are facing closure. Kindergarten teachers are now looking to the government for assistance.

Owners and teachers of several kindergarten schools in Sharsha upazila said they cannot get out of this situation without government support.

Mozaffar Hossain, headmaster of Gazipur Model Kindergarten School in Benapole, said: “The school has not made any money since its activities were suspended on March 17. So, its teachers and staffers haven’t been getting paid either.

“But the rent is due every month and the landlord does not let up. We can’t collect tuition anymore and so it’s impossible making rent these days.”

Yanur Rahman, headmaster of Ideal Kindergarten School at Benapole Check post, said: “Almost all local kindergartens are housed in rented apartment buildings. Of the monthly school income, 40% went to rent, 40% to teachers and staffers and the remaining 20% or more on utilities. Many organizations are currently operating with subsidies. I am afraid that if the situation does not return to normal soon, it will be difficult to sustain these institutions.”

Imamul Hossain, assistant headmaster of Benapole Sunrise School, said: “Private schools contribute much to the development of the country’s education system. So, the government should provide assistance to private schools in a time of disaster. We expect the government to consider the dire situation.”

Sharsha Upazila Primary and Mass Education Officer Rajmoni said: “The government currently does not have plans to provide financial assistance to private kindergarten schools. The education department is now more focused on making virtual lessons available to the mass students via various electronic mediums including television, mobile, radio and online. However, as the current government holds education important, it is safe to assume the education ministry has plans to revive schools that are shutting down across the country.”