The Kobe Municipal Government building is seen in this file photo taken in the city's Chuo Ward. (Mainichi/Kimi Sorihashi)

KOBE -- Single parents in this western Japan city raising an outcry against the prolonged closure of schools, which is part of the government's efforts to prevent the spread of infections with the novel coronavirus.

"The gap in academic achievement will only widen between my children and those who go to cram school and can study online," one of them warns.

"Periods where children spend time only amongst themselves is becoming longer," another laments.

A 35-year-old part-timer in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, who is raising her fourth- and sixth-grade children on her own voiced concerns that her children could be left behind in their studies.

"The amount that my children are required to learn will increase as they advance to new grades. I'm concerned about whether they can keep pace with their classes," she says.

The government has announced that it is implementing measures to help parents look after their children while their schools are closed, such as payments of subsidies to companies that allow employees to take time off.

However, the woman wonders whether the eatery where she works will allow her to take days off to look after her children because the company's business performance is declining due to the spread of the virus.

"My company is in chaos, and I'm not sure whether it will actually apply for the subsidies. I can't take time off without concern," she laments.

The Kobe Municipal Board of Education recommends that schoolchildren use web-based learning support systems while their schools are closed. However, families that have no computers including tablets cannot use such systems.

"I've heard that children who attend cram schools are taking online classes. I want authorities to ensure equal learning support for all children," the woman says.

The western Kobe chapter of the Single Mothers Forum Kansai support group asked the municipal government in early March to implement measures to help schoolchildren make up for a delay in their studies and provide sufficient care for them, such as conducting home visits.

Maki Yasuki, 49, head of the chapter, urges administrative bodies to proactively support childrearing by single parents.

"Single-parent families are always struggling to achieve a balance between childrearing and work. Even a slight change in their environment could deal a serious blow to them. I want administrative organizations to proactively implement support measures for such families," she says.

(Japanese original by Kimi Sorihashi, Kobe Bureau)