A three-unit classroom block at Wuling M/A Basic School in the Jirapa Municipality of the Upper West Region has fallen into disrepair, forcing pupils to study under trees. The mud-built block, constructed in 1990, has developed deep cracks and deteriorated to a condition that school authorities consider unsafe for teaching and learning. As a result, the affected pupils have been compelled to hold lessons outdoors.
The school's kindergarten pupils also study under trees because the department has never had a dedicated classroom facility. This situation exposes the children to harsh weather conditions and other distractions that disrupt teaching and learning. The school's Head Teacher, Mr Alfred Mwin-ire Ileku, expressed concerns about the impact of rainfall and intense heat on lessons, which are frequently interrupted and sometimes cancelled.
According to Mr Ileku, appeals to the relevant authorities, including the Jirapa Municipal Education Directorate, have yet to yield any positive response. He appealed to government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and benevolent individuals to support the reconstruction of the unsafe block and provide suitable classrooms for the pupils. The school has a total enrolment of 254 pupils, with only 10 teachers responsible for teaching from KG to the Junior High School level.
The school faces a shortage of teachers, with only two teachers handling the entire JHS department. This situation falls short of the subject-based teaching approach practised by the Ghana Education Service. Mr Ileku emphasised the need for support to improve teaching and learning conditions at the school.
The Assembly Member for the Tuggo Electoral Area, Mr Paul Bamaaka, has petitioned the Jirapa Municipal Assembly several times over the school's infrastructure challenges but is still awaiting a response. He appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropic bodies, and individuals to support the construction of an appropriate classroom block.
The community is calling for urgent intervention to address the school's infrastructure challenges. The dilapidated classroom block and lack of suitable classrooms are hindering the quality of education provided to the pupils. Efforts are being made to draw attention to the plight of the school and secure support for its development.
The Wuling M/A Basic School requires assistance to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for its pupils. The school's challenges highlight the need for investment in education infrastructure in the region.
Key points
- The dilapidated classroom block has forced pupils to study under trees due to safety concerns.
- The school faces a shortage of teachers, with only two teachers handling the entire JHS department.
- The community is calling for urgent intervention to address the school's infrastructure challenges.
