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#ChildrensVoices is a ReaderLympics initiative, where children are invited to share their experiences of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.
To submit your own letter, or to find out more visit www.readerlympics.co.za
By Maya Mabasa, 16 years old
It was about February this year when I first learnt about coronavirus. Little did I know that life as I knew it for the 16 years of my existence, would never be the same again.
The little pleasures of taking a walk or even touching your face were to become dangerous. Fear has been instilled in me and I am left worried about my future.
With the lockdown implemented, business cash flow has been reduced. I worry that this will result in companies letting employees go and my parents losing their jobs.
What then happens to me and my family?
We will lose everything and move to the streets, where we will be exposed to more danger!
It was exciting for a while when they announced that schools will be closed.
As the days went by, we started hearing about countries like Italy and the possibility of a lockdown extension, it started to get too real.
I have questions that I’m struggling to answer:
• Will we ever go back to school this year?
• Am I even ready for self-study?
• Will I be able to make it to the next grade?
All this has become very concerning to me!
Our best chance of survival is to follow the rules, we have to practice hygiene and social distancing.
I pray social distancing is not the beginning of emotional distancing, where we become cold and the spirit of ubuntu is lost forever.
If you are the parent of a teen struggling through the lockdown, the following resources are available to provide immediate support:
Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 or SMS line 31393
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Mental Health Line 011 234 4837
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit (24 hours a day) 0861 435 787
Find a therapist near you on TherapyRoute.com
Chat back:
Share your story with us and we could publish it. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
WhatsApp: Send messages and voicenotes to 066 010 0325
Email: Share your story with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com
