Schools lockdown
African Storybook
Busisiwe Ndlovu
English
First paragraphs
Busisiwe and Bandile are very happy because schools are closed for lockdown!
-
They are looking forward to time at home.
1
After five weeks of lockdown, the sisters are not so happy any more.
-
“I’m doing my best with online learning. It’s a challenge!” sighs Bandi.
2
Busi agrees, “I miss going to school.”
-
“Now, school is WhatsApp group chats, education apps, and education TV!” says Bandi.
3
She continues, “Now, school requires more discipline and more dedication.”
-
Busi says, “And we always need data and network for school.”
4
“Many families can’t afford data,” says Bandi.
-
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.”
-
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.”
-
“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.”
-
Mom comes into their room.
9
“Girls, I’ve just heard on the radio that schools are re-opening next week,” smiles Mom.
-
Busisiwe and Bandile are very happy!
10

——Questions


  1. Explain the meaning of: ‘financial strain’, ‘online learning’, ‘feeding scheme’.
  2. Did the sisters enjoy lockdown? Explain your answer.
  3. Compare learning in school and online learning. Which of these is cheaper?
  4. If another lockdown happens, what things would you do differently?
  5. What rules does your school expect you to follow? Were there things that you learned about life during school lockdown? Explain.
  6. Why do you think school required more discipline and dedication during lockdown?
11

——


This storybook is based on reports for RX Radio. RX Radio is a children’s internet radio station, by and for children.
-
RX Radio operates from the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town.
-
RX Radio helps children to tell stories about issues important to them.
-
Visit RX Radio
12
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

© Zenex Foundation - Saide 2025

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