(Photo: REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread throughout the world, governments continue to create programs not only to inform people how to protect themselves but also to curb the spread of the disease. In Poland, the government even went out of its way to help entertain kids under quarantine -- by creating a public Minecraft server to encourage kids to do all their social activities online.
The country-wide Minecraft server is part of a program called Grarantanna, an educational website with a chockfull of activities meant to both educate and entertain students who can't go to classes during quarantine. The website includes math and logic puzzles, historical quizzes, and tools for online pen-and-paper sessions.
So it's not all Minecraft and other social games, mind you. On the Minecraft server, however, students are allowed to build replicas of popular landmarks and submit their creations in a competition. Those who wish to enter the building contest, which runs through March 27, will be given an unlimited supply of resources.
But unfortunately, the Minecraft server is not free-for-all. It can be only accessed by Polish students who have already joined the Grarantanna website using their student IDs. Once you're inside, there's a code of conduct by which to abide. The server is organized by the Neverlight Association, a Polish organization involved with esports, game tournaments and board game publishing in Poland.
Poland has been implementing extensive health and safety measures to counteract COVID-19 shutting all public facilities including cinemas, museums, and schools since March 11. The country is also conducting comprehensive border checks. With children stuck at home, the government is looking to find ways to provide them with something productive to do.
Grarantanna's Minecraft server isn't just for younger kids. Older children, including those in high school and college, are encouraged to socialize online as well. The Minecraft server and the entire Grarantanna website is a big help for parents who are still working despite the ongoing health crisis. If you're not from Poland, you might as well make use of the country's idea. Keep your kids occupied by giving them something productive to do online.
For those lucky enough to be in Poland and want to join the building competition, head to the Grarantanna website and sign up. Each player in the server gets a 60x60 plot to let their imagination run wild, and the best creations will be showcased and rewarded on March 30.
