Children were hard hit by the pandemic

Early Learning School headmistress at Reddam House Waterfall, Dr Bev Evangelides spoke about recent research that found that children have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

The research was headed by Professor Mark Tomlinson from the Institute of Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health at the University of Stellenbosch.

Evangelides said the researchers point out that during lockdown, children were especially vulnerable to Covid-related fear, anxiety, depression, altered family and social relationships and even post-traumatic stress. The findings highlight that children depend on parents for healthcare, food, protection from harm, opportunities to learn, and love and affection, which comprise nurturing care.

“The need for schools and childcare facilities to provide fully nurturing and supportive environments where small children can thrive and develop in a holistic way is clearly crucial for their future,” said Dr Evangelides.

She referred to United Nations Children’s Fund strategic guidelines to prioritise early childhood development in the Covid-19 response report which highlighted the looming challenges in childcare, stating, “The current situation poses new challenges for providing care, protection, and learning opportunities for young children. In the long term, this can lead to intergenerational economic and social losses as society misses out on the benefits of early childhood development.

Dr Evangelides added that ensuring that the school environment and teachers are nurturing, warm, and empathetic and that each child’s individuality is valued and celebrated, will provide a rock-solid foundation on which to grow their skills.

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