- Title: Palestinian family cherish time together during lockdown
- Date: 1st April 2020
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) TEACHER CURRENTLY WORKING FROM HOME THROUGH ONLINE SCHOOLING, JIZELLE SARA, SAYING: "Teaching online is not easy at all since you have to connect and follow-up with the girls remotely, instead of face-to-face. And besides, the kids are at home 24/7, they don't go to school. They don't come back having missed you, excited to tell you about their day. You have to keep them busy all the time." MOTHER POURING SOME ORANGE JUICE FORÂ FAMILYÂ SITTING OUTSIDE
- Embargoed: 15th April 2020 15:12
- Keywords: Coronavirus online studying partial lockdown stay home
- Location: JERUSALEM
- City: JERUSALEM
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA003C7NT8PH
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Online worksheets, physical exercises, colouring books and computer games: The Saras have designed a whole programme to keep their children busy while the family is observing the partial curfew imposed on their Jerusalem neighbourhood, Beit Safafa.
Jizelle Sara, a Palestinian English teacher, faces a double challenge at home. Not only does she have to find ways to keep her children aged five, six and 11 busy, she also has to ensure that her pupils are up to date with their online schoolwork.
"Teaching online is not easy at all since you have to connect and follow-up with the girls remotely, instead of face-to-face. And besides, the kids are at home 24/7," said Jizelle Sara, 42.
Sara's husband Victor, a receptionist, is currently left without a salary. He has been given an unpaid and open leave by his employer, one of the many hotels forced to closed down as tourism in Jerusalem has come to a halt. But he has decided to look on the bright side.
"Today we are gathered together as a family, which is very positive. To be able to see my children, play with them and attend to their needs. Usually, work unfortunately takes us away from our family," said Victor, 41.
Israel has reported more than 5,358 coronavirus infections and 20 deaths. Authorities have tightened a partial lockdown, requiring citizens to stay within 100 metres (110 yards) of home and setting sanctions for defying rules.
In the Palestinian territories, 119 cases and one death have been confirmed so far.
(Production: Ammar Awar, Nuha Sharaf, Roleen Tafakji) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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