By Volunteer Uppasana Baruah, FHI Guwahati
From extension of lockdown to decrease in supply of food items in stores, the pandemic corona has got us all agitated. Adults or children, the impact of nationwide isolation is stressful and feverish. With the shutting down of schools and colleges, children have been devoid of education and learning. This hampers the future of privileged and underprivileged children both. Although teachers have been instructed to provide online classes and study materials being provided by schools and universities, not every child has access to the internet to extract the opportunity.
Another important factor right now is that school closure also means loss of mid-day meals. This, for poor children, is distressing. Hunger crisis has become one of the biggest menaces for the poor and destitute, and the most brutally affected ones are the children. Attempts to provide food to underprivileged children have been made but are they reaching each and every child? Is the food being provided sufficient enough for the children? The pandemic has led to a plethora of questions and concerns. The hardship of children on the road side is even more disheartening.
The government has been trying its best to curb the spread of the deadly virus and at the same time looking into the lives of the underprivileged, trying to assist and aid. However the silence of the media on the plight of poor children can result in lasting consequences for the children. The more the electronic and print media throws light on the condition of children, the less vulnerable they will be.
In this dire situation, the impact of the pandemic on children must be looked and acted upon. They should be ensured of nutrition, protection and education. The marginalized children shouldn’t be forgotten about. They become invisible in between all the mayhem, but they must be attended and taken care of. Policies, measures and strategies for children’s issues should be discussed soon.
Meanwhile, we all must stick to the norms of social distancing and follow the guidelines by the Government.
Here’s hoping everybody is safe and sound!
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