The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive picture of the situation of children during the pandemic and how schools are preparing for the new school year 2021-22.[1] Findings of the study will serve as the basis for advocacy materials to government stakeholders involved in the Safe Return to Learning programme and to inform policymaking in Papua province.

The results of the study will also be used for the following purposes:

• To develop an accurate picture of the current situation in targeted schools, villages, and districts to address children’s need to return to school safely, including consideration of the regulatory support of district and provincial governments to allow safe and effective face-to-face learning and to mitigate the risks of student drop out.
• To gather qualitative evidence, including individual stories, of the impact of the COVID-19 on children, teachers, and parents that can be used to advocate for strengthened regulatory support for COVID19-safe face-to-face learning and to mitigate student drop out risks.