Schools lockdown
African Storybook
Busisiwe Ndlovu
English
First paragraphs
Busisiwe and Bandile are very happy because schools are closed for lockdown!
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They are looking forward to time at home.
1
After five weeks of lockdown, the sisters are not so happy any more.
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“I’m doing my best with online learning. It’s a challenge!” sighs Bandi.
2
Busi agrees, “I miss going to school.”
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“Now, school is WhatsApp group chats, education apps, and education TV!” says Bandi.
3
She continues, “Now, school requires more discipline and more dedication.”
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Busi says, “And we always need data and network for school.”
4
“Many families can’t afford data,” says Bandi.
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Busi thinks of her friends, Buhle and Luka. Their family can't afford data for school.
5
Busi says, “Some kids need the school feeding scheme.”
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She is worried, “Will all parents be able to buy enough food for their children?”
6
Bandi says, “We are fortunate. We still have enough to eat at home.”
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“But I really miss my friends,” sighs Busi.
7
She adds, “I can talk to them over the phone, but it’s not the same. I like playing with them.”
8
Bandi sighs, “I miss the atmosphere of school and the teachers. I miss learning new things, and being around my friends.”
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Mom comes into their room.
9
“Girls, I’ve just heard on the radio that schools are re-opening next week,” smiles Mom.
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Busisiwe and Bandile are very happy!
10

——Questions


  1. Explain the meaning of these words: ‘online learning’, ‘data’, ‘feeding scheme’, 'atmosphere'.
  2. Did the sisters enjoy lockdown? Explain your answer.
11

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This storybook is based on reports for RX Radio. RX Radio is a children’s internet radio station, by and for children.
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RX Radio operates from the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town.
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RX Radio helps children to tell stories about issues important to them.
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Visit RX Radio
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Attribution CC BY
Your attribution should include the following:
Title: Schools lockdown
Author/s: African Storybook
Illustrator/s: Busisiwe Ndlovu
Assurer/s: African Storybook
Language: English

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CC BY includes the following elements:
 BY   – Credit must be given to the creator