The chief and residents of Gbenfu, a community in the Bole District of the Savannah Region, have made a desperate appeal to the government and NGOs for help, as the only primary school in the area faces severe challenges.
The school, which serves children from Kindergarten to Primary 6, is struggling with a lack of classrooms, teachers, and teachers’ quarters, leading to a decline in the quality of education and student attendance.
According to the Assembly Member for the Gbenfu Electoral Area, Abdulai Borenyi Kassim, the school has only four teachers, including the headteacher, to manage the entire school population.
The lack of proper infrastructure has forced the combination of two classes into one room, with Classes 1 and 2 sharing a space, as well as Classes 3 and 4, and Classes 5 and 6.
The situation has persisted for years, despite the three-classroom block being in a dilapidated state.
He further noted that the teachers’ accommodation has been taken over by private individuals and even mentally challenged persons, making it unsuitable for any teacher to live in.
The collapse of the school infrastructure began years ago, with the current building being the donation of a former headteacher after seeing the poor structure originally used as the school block.
Mr Kassim expressed his concern that the school is on the verge of total collapse, urging the government to intervene immediately.
Jimah Dankargu, the landlord of the Gbenfu community, has voiced his frustrations, stating that the worsening conditions of the school are keeping him awake at night.
He shared that several teachers who were posted to the school have left due to the lack of suitable living accommodations.
The PTA secretary also added that parents have become increasingly worried about the safety of their children.
The unsafe conditions have contributed to a significant number of dropouts, with many students abandoning their education entirely.
The residents of Gbenfu continue to appeal to the government and other stakeholders for immediate intervention to save the school and ensure the safety and future of their children.