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Nusantics launches campaign to encourage shift to offline schooling
Nusantics has launched a national campaign and activity to encourage students, parents and teachers to resume offline education, called the "Back to School" campaign.
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(Nusantics)
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usantics has launched a national campaign and activity to encourage students, parents and teachers to resume offline education, called the "Back to School" campaign. After the closure of schools because of the restrictions put in place during the pandemic, Nusantics aims through the campaign to increase the confidence of parents, teaching staff, and students themselves to conduct face-to-face learning (PTM).
Using key capabilities in microbiome-based technology and research, Nusantics provides a comprehensive solution consisting of surveillance of people in school with PCR gargles that are comfortable for children. The company recently launched a PCR test kit using the mouth rinse method, a technology that is now produced by Biofarma and has received a distribution permit from the Health Ministry.
"We realize this is a dilemma, but for the long-term intellectual and psychological benefits, PTM should be carried out with caution. Therefore, the detection of the COVID-19 virus in the air using the PCR method and measurement of air circulation is very important to mitigate the risk of transmission and determine strategic steps in ensuring the safety of classrooms and school environments.” said Sharlini Eriza Putri, cofounder and CEO of Nusantics.
Based on research conducted from September to October 2021, 199 out of 121 classrooms at state elementary schools (SD) in the capital city were declared safe, while three were classified as at risk. The study was also done using Nusantics' AirScan technology that measures the air quality from the exposure of coronavirus in each classroom.
Boosted by the vaccination program put in place by the government, the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry has restarted PTM activities with special requirements to minimize learning loss and psychological impacts for both students and adults following the shift to online schooling.
“In the current challenging situation, PTM policies must be supported to prepare the younger generation for its long-term interests. However, it must still be done with the principles of sensitivity and prudence, and also full of wisdom from various parties, given that the conditions in each region, especially in big and small cities, are very different,” Gita Wirjawan said in a press conference held by Nusantics on Thursday.
Studies done by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) show that not attending school face-to-face results in children being at risk of becoming less competitive when facing the world of work and of a potential income reduction of up to 3 percent for life. Therefore, more countries like Indonesia are getting ready to open up schools as the pandemic has started to slow down.
After the September-October research, Nusantics decided to broaden the research to a national scale, so that all children in Indonesia can return to school safely and comfortably, and get justice in obtaining access to education. The study was also supported by the Education and Culture Research and Technology Ministry.
“We believe that education is our shared responsibility, including the private sector, both domestic and foreign, because we both need superior human resources. So, let's collaborate and join hands to make sure schools are safe for all," Sharlin said.
“In today's problematic situation, parents need to show that they understand their children's needs and concerns about returning to school and meeting with friends to establish social relationships. Parents must also ensure that they can attend and provide support by involving positive parenting techniques,” child clinical psychologist, Roslina Verauli, M.Psi.,Psi., said, explaining about the importance of returning back to school.
