Covid-19: Online tutors boosting incomes as demand surges due to coronavirus lockdowns

De Leon teaching an online class at the head office of 51Talk, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) continues, in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. — Reuters

MANILA: Filipino teacher Raven Kate De Leon is in demand, spending up to 10 hours a day at her home computer surrounded by mini cars and stuffed toys that she uses as props to inject fun into her English classes for students far away in China.

Since the coronavirus took a hold in China at the start of this year and forced schools and offices to shut down, thousands of Filipino teachers are cashing on overtime as grade schoolers and professionals in China, Japan and beyond turn lockdowns into opportunities to better their English.