La Presec school, located in Ghana, has been grappling with infrastructure challenges for over 15 years. A three-storey classroom block, expected to provide much-needed space, remains unfinished. The school's population of over 1,500 students is forced to contend with inadequate classrooms, limited administrative space, and an absent assembly hall. This situation has resulted in a significant strain on the school's resources.
A visit to the school revealed a stark reality. The ICT laboratory, a crucial facility for digital literacy, lacks computers. Instead, students are met with broken furniture, damaged chairs and desks, and deteriorating walls. This shortage of computers presents an obvious challenge for students being taught in an era where digital skills are increasingly important. The school's administration is faced with the daunting task of providing students with practical ICT skills without access to computers.
The unfinished GETFund project, a three-storey classroom block, has been under construction for approximately 15 years. This prolonged delay has meant that successive cohorts of students have passed through the school without benefiting from the additional classroom space. The abandoned structure now serves as a painful reminder of a promise yet to be fulfilled. The cost of this delay is not only financial but also measured in the learning environment of thousands of children.
La Presec's challenges extend beyond the unfinished classroom block. Another damaged classroom block has remained unattended for an extended period, further reducing available space and compounding pressure on existing facilities. With over 1,500 pupils to accommodate, every usable classroom matters. The school's administration is working under immense pressure to provide students with a conducive learning environment despite these infrastructure challenges.
The school's administrative infrastructure is also inadequate. La Presec lacks a proper administrative facility to accommodate its leadership and teaching staff. Teachers and school authorities require suitable spaces to plan lessons, keep records, meet parents, and carry out administrative tasks. Without adequate administrative infrastructure, the pressure is felt not only by students but also by the educators responsible for their education.
The absence of an assembly hall is another significant gap in the school's infrastructure. A central space for assemblies, school programs, and examinations would provide an essential facility for both pupils and staff. Instead, the school community must manage without one, resulting in a strain on existing resources. The situation at La Presec raises important questions about the prioritization of basic education infrastructure.
The situation at La Presec demands urgent attention from education authorities. The Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, GETFund, and the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly have a responsibility to address the school's infrastructure needs. A coordinated intervention is necessary, beginning with a proper assessment of the existing infrastructure and the status of the abandoned GETFund project.
Key points
- The school requires urgent assessment and completion of the 15-year-old GETFund classroom block.
- La Presec needs additional classrooms to ease pressure on existing facilities.
- A functional ICT laboratory equipped with computers is essential for the students.
