In the locality of Sombadé, situated about 15 kilometers from the urban commune of Kindia, a makeshift shed has been serving as a classroom for dozens of students for the past four years. The shed was constructed by the community in a bid to provide their children with access to education. However, the learning conditions are far from ideal, with students facing numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, furniture, and school supplies.
The makeshift shed, which hosts students from several sectors, including Sabendè, Sombadé, Kilissi, and Kissia, is not equipped to handle the number of students. During the rainy season, classes are often disrupted, and in periods of intense heat, students and their teacher are forced to suspend classes to seek shelter. Furthermore, many students attend school without uniforms, notebooks, slates, or even shoes, highlighting the dire need for assistance.
Kerfalla Cissé, the sole teacher for two levels of students, expressed his concerns about the situation. He has 64 students and a few others under the shed, making it extremely challenging to provide quality education. Cissé emphasized that despite the students' eagerness to learn, the lack of resources and infrastructure is a significant hindrance. He urged the authorities to intervene and provide the community with a proper school.
The community in Sombadé took the initiative to build the makeshift shed to ensure their children did not miss out on education. Mohamed Lamine Souaré, a parent, explained that the community constructed the shed as a temporary solution, hoping that the authorities would eventually provide a proper school. However, four years on, the community is still waiting for support, and Souaré expressed his frustration, stating that no authority has visited the shed since its construction.
The situation in Sombadé highlights the struggles faced by many communities in Guinea, where access to quality education is a significant challenge. The lack of infrastructure and resources has resulted in students being forced to study in makeshift conditions, which can have long-term consequences for their education and future prospects.
Bountouraby Souaré, a second-year student, spoke about the difficulties faced by students in Sombadé. She emphasized that they need help from the government to access proper learning facilities, even if it's just one building. Her sentiments were echoed by many in the community, who are calling on the authorities to take urgent action to address the situation.
The community in Sombadé is urging the government and well-wishers to provide them with a proper school and the necessary resources to ensure their children can access quality education. The situation in Sombadé serves as a reminder of the need for increased investment in education infrastructure in Guinea, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that all children have access to quality education.
Key points
- The community in Sombadé has been forced to construct a makeshift shed to serve as a classroom for their children due to a lack of infrastructure.
- The learning conditions in Sombadé are dire, with students facing challenges such as a lack of furniture, school supplies, and proper facilities.
- The community is calling on the government and well-wishers to provide them with a proper school and resources to ensure their children can access quality education.
