To Open Or Not To Open, That Is The Question
Big Issue|Issue 288
Nick Spaull, senior researcher at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Economics, and Jonathan Jansen, distinguished professor of education at the same university, each argue their case for and against the complete reopening of schools.
To Open Or Not To Open, That Is The Question

Should schools reopen fully?

Yes, says Nic Spaull (NS).

No, says Professor Jonathan Jansen (JJ).

NS: Schools provide essential meals to hungry children. When schools were open and operational, they provided a nutritious meal to 9 million children every day.

JJ: Schools cannot solve the deep structural problems in society and the economy. When schools are closed (vacations, weekends and lockdown), children still need to be fed. Solve the problem of household poverty.

NS: You cannot reopen the economy without reopening schools. There are 4.5 million essential workers in South Africa and 650 000 healthcare workers who are on the front lines, dealing with the pandemic. If schools are closed, what must happen to their children while they are at work?

JJ: Working class families have always juggled jobs and childcare, long before the pandemic. There is a rich resource of familial and friendship networks in poor communities that support children while parents work. This is nothing new.

Bu hikaye Big Issue dergisinin Issue 288 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Big Issue dergisinin Issue 288 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

BIG ISSUE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Visit The ‘Seaside Circus'
Big Issue

Visit The ‘Seaside Circus'

There’s a new art activation on the prom …

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 300
SA's Food Capture?
Big Issue

SA's Food Capture?

While the debate rages on over glyphosate-based herbicides, farmers are spraying the chemical all over the world

time-read
5 dak  |
Issue 300
Design That Uplifts, Delight Intrigues
Big Issue

Design That Uplifts, Delight Intrigues

A collaboration with Southern Guild at the Silo District in Cape Town showcases designer Rich Mnisi’s first solo exhibition, titled Nyoka, on show from 2 October 2021 through to 4 February 2022. Designed to reach out and inspire.

time-read
4 dak  |
Issue 300
Why Kaaps Language Dictionary Matters!
Big Issue

Why Kaaps Language Dictionary Matters!

The first-ever dictionary of South Africa’s Kaaps language has launched. Why it matters …

time-read
5 dak  |
Issue 300
Hungry, And Tired
Big Issue

Hungry, And Tired

This charity has been feeding Cape Town’s hungry for more than 80 years. Never have so many people queued for food.

time-read
6 dak  |
Issue 300
Life's Ups And Downs
Big Issue

Life's Ups And Downs

Feeling burnt out? Clinical Psychologist and Business Director at The Human Edge, Helene Vermaak, gives some grounded self-care advice for anyone feeling overstressed or depleted.

time-read
4 dak  |
Issue 300
WHAT'S ON?
Big Issue

WHAT'S ON?

Get out and about under the spring sun, or enjoy entertainment online from the comfort of your couch …

time-read
2 dak  |
Issue 300
SPACE TO REFLECT
Big Issue

SPACE TO REFLECT

When former Big Issue editor, Alicia English, lost her husband to Covid-19 earlier this year, she and her son discovered a novel way to process overwhelming, difficult feelings.

time-read
3 dak  |
Issue 300
INSPIRATIONAL READING
Big Issue

INSPIRATIONAL READING

Whether you tap, turn pages or listen to audiobooks, an inspirational read can help you relax and see the world differently.

time-read
2 dak  |
Issue 300
Rough sleeping
Big Issue

Rough sleeping

“Winters are the worst nightmare for us,” says a homeless man in Springs. Temperatures dropped to minus 7º C recently.

time-read
3 dak  |
Issue 300