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The Danish efterskoles have been closed since mid-March. We regret this as much as anyone, especially as efterskole is a once-in-a-lifetime-experience, which is now seriously compromised for the current group of students.
We understand and share the concern of parents, both regarding the spread of the virus and the consequences of the lock-down it is having on the pupils’ efterskole year. We are in constant dialogue with the authorities regarding the scenarios and possibilities of reopening the 240 efterskoles in Denmark. However, we have obtained no guarantees yet and must await the development in society.
Nevertheless, as it stands, the infection rate in Denmark is looking very positive, and some general hospital health services, some retail shops, and, more importantly, parts of the primary school system are reopening.
The Danish government is following the most cautious guidelines set out by the Danish Health Authorities and, for now, only grades 0-5 is allowed back in school. The infection rates are expected to climb over the course of the next weeks, which is the intention, but remain low and manageable, and the current prediction is that grades 5-10 will be allowed to start in school by May 10th. We are in close dialogue with the Minister of Education and all parties in the Danish Parliament for this to include Efterskole-pupils.
The Danish parliament has passed a temporary bill on compensating the families financially. All parents will receive a compensation of 1,000 DKK pr. Week from April 1st until May 1st at least. We expect to have this scheme prolonged, if the schools are not reopened by then.
With regards to the reopening of the Danish borders, and other countries allowing their citizens to travel to other countries, we simply do not know at this stage, but we are following the situation closely - and we will do whatever we can to help you return safely to Denmark to enjoy the remainder of your Efterskole-experience!”
We wish all families hope and strength to carry on sharing the community of the Efterskole virtually, until is it safe to receive the students back ‘home’ at the Efterskole.
Sincerely,
Torben Vind Rasmussen
Chairperson, The Efterskole Association
