Jakarta (ANTARA) - Plan Indonesia has said that a number of regions\nhave implemented distance learning (PJJ) in response to the health\nimpacts of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, but\nwithout adequate support, remote learning risks widening the gap in\naccess to education.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen schools have to implement remote learning, we need to ensure\nthat PJJ is not merely a decision to move learning from school to home.\nWe also need to look at whether children have devices, internet\nconnectivity, a safe learning space, and support from parents or primary\ncaregivers,\u201d said Plan Indonesia Executive Director Dini Widiastuti.<\/p>\n
Dini said in Jakarta on Monday that remote learning can serve as a\ntemporary solution. However, she said, unequal access remains a concern\nbecause not all children have digital devices, internet connectivity, or\na home environment conducive to remote learning.<\/p>\n
Therefore, her organisation is encouraging schools and regional\ngovernments to ensure alternative learning mechanisms that are safe,\ninclusive, and appropriate to children\u2019s circumstances. When online\nlearning is not feasible, schools need to consider other methods that do\nnot rely entirely on devices and internet connectivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the volcano\u2019s eruption alert level rises and this situation\npersists over a long period, it is essential for the government and\nschools to promptly prepare various alternative remote learning options,\nsuch as making use of public broadcast media or independent learning\nmethods,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In her view, this is crucial to ensure that all children without\nexception continue to receive equal access to and quality of education,\nso that learning loss does not occur during the emergency.<\/p>\n
Dini also explained that the purpose of remote learning in a disaster\nsituation is not simply to keep classes running. More importantly, it is\nto ensure that children retain access to education without having to\nsacrifice their safety.<\/p>\n
Amid the eruption situation, child protection also encompasses\npsychosocial aspects. Children may experience fear, confusion, and\nanxiety when they see changes in their surroundings, hear information\nabout the eruption, or have to alter their daily routines.<\/p>\n
Parents, teachers, and the adults around children play an important\nrole in helping them understand the situation with accurate, simple, and\nage-appropriate information.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren need to know what is happening and what they can do to stay\nsafe. Information must be conveyed in language appropriate to their age.\nDo not frighten them, but do not underestimate the situation either.\nGive children room to ask questions, express their feelings, and\nunderstand what is happening,\u201d said Dini.<\/p>\n
According to Dini, the eruption situation needs to be viewed more\nbroadly as a matter of fulfilling children\u2019s rights in an emergency.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen a disaster occurs, children face layered risks. They need to be\nprotected from ash exposure and health risks, but at the same time we\nalso need to ensure they continue to receive support, feel safe, and\nhave the opportunity to keep learning. Disaster response must address\nchildren\u2019s needs holistically,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Plan Indonesia called on the public to remain calm yet vigilant,\nreduce exposure to volcanic ash, pay attention to children\u2019s conditions,\nand follow information and instructions from the Centre for Volcanology\nand Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG); the Meteorology, Climatology,\nand Geophysics Agency (BMKG); the National Disaster Management Agency\n(BNPB); and regional governments.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/plan-indonesia-highlights-childrens-learning-access-in-response-to-remote-schooling-following-mount-anak-1788778564", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }