Speaking on the Thursday, October 22, 2020, edition of Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780AM, Dr Wheatley said the plan to re-open schools also came to allow some students to return to the classroom due to challenges.

“Because of course, some persons are saying that the online [schooling] is a complete disaster, hyperbole for their own, again, political selfish benefit," he said.

Hon Wheatley continued: “I've had many persons come to me and tell me you know what, I really don't want to go back to school because my child is thriving so well with the online learning, some of them worried about their children being bullied at school that the child is so comfortable doing online learning.”

Minister for Education Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (D7) says that contrary to the picture of disaster being painted by some for political gains, COVID-19 online schooling has been a success.

Some students require in-class teaching - Dr Wheatley

Dr Wheatley said while school authorities will be working to address complaints of bullying and other concerns, the call to re-open schools is not collective.

“I'm just saying, not everyone is crying out that they want to rush back into the classroom but of course we recognise that there are some individuals who really would need to come back into the classroom.”

He said due to the challenges in terms of homeschooling and home care, the government has adopted a phased approach to put students back into the classrooms and not because of what is being peddled- that online learning is a disaster.