SDLP Youth Calls on Department for Education to Invest and Deliver Air Filters to Every Classroom in Need

SDLP Youth is calling on the Department for Education to invest and deliver air filters to every classroom in need.

The reality for many students and staff is their fear of bringing Covid-19 back to their support systems, and issues for their own health. Prior to the Christmas break, schools had to resort to opening windows in the cold winter weather in an attempt to prevent further spread of the virus. The Department for Education must deliver HEPA filters urgently to all classrooms to combat the further spread of Covid-19 and particularly the Omicron variant. The Executive were recently informed that Omicron cases comprise 90% of Covid cases in the North of Ireland; what impact will this have on teaching shortages as seen prior to the Christmas break and how will this impact on everyday life? The school community needs certainty and real financial support from the Department, beyond already limited sector communication. Throughout this pandemic, school principals have been left to make the tough decisions required to keep their community safe. It is time for the Department to alleviate that pressure and finally show leadership in the face of the pandemic.

While the Omicron variant is milder, it is more contagious and we still have students, staff and families that are vulnerable and scared throughout the school day. If no action is taken, the worst case scenario for vulnerable students is spreading the virus to loved ones and schools forced to close. With school closures, the reality of digital poverty and the class gap in educational involvement becomes stark. Students may also face unsuitable working environments, an unsafe home environment and many more issues which predominantly impact on our most vulnerable students. Preventing weeks or indeed months of online learning, as witnessed last year, is a necessity that can only be achieved by financing steps to limit the spread of Covid-19. 

In addition, not every student will miss the same amount of their education, whether through their teacher being ill and schools unable to find a substitute, or actually experiencing the effects of the virus themselves. To limit any potential disparities and ensure full fairness with current plans for the summer examination period, real action and support must be taken.

Finally, while these cases may occur in schools, this is ultimately a matter of public health. The time for delayed responses in this pandemic has passed and has been begrudgingly endured - we are months into discussions about Covid-19’s impact in the school community. There is no excuse for further delays and it is wholly irresponsible to not invest in a future without this virus. 

We send our full support and solidarity to the entire school community as they continue to support young people, families and each other at this stressful time.

Solidarity is strength / Ní neart go cur le chéile