The sole teacher at Donta's primary school, Alpha Boubacar Badé, has left his post after a video surfaced showing the poor state of the school. The footage, posted on Facebook, revealed a single classroom, inadequate sanitation facilities, and students sitting on the floor without school uniforms. Badé claims local authorities and education officials are responsible for his departure.
According to Badé, he allowed a journalist to film the school's conditions, which sparked outrage among internet users who criticized local authorities for neglecting the school. Souleymane Badé, the local education delegate, allegedly called Badé and scolded him for making videos, leading to a heated exchange. Badé claims he was subsequently told to leave Donta by the sector chief and parent association president.
Badé, who has been teaching for two years, says he wants to help his students but lacks the qualifications and resources. He had requested assistance and a qualified teacher to help him improve his skills. The school has three teaching groups, but Badé is the only educator. Local schools are far away, making it difficult for students to attend.
The situation has left dozens of students without a teacher. Badé claims he was physically attacked in his classroom by a parent's son during a donation ceremony. He now fears for his safety and wants assurances from local authorities before returning to teach. The education delegate has threatened to close the school if Badé continues to make videos.
The president of the parent association, Abdoulaye Badé, confirms that the education delegate warned him about Badé's actions, saying the school would be closed if he continued making videos. Abdoulaye Badé had requested a qualified teacher from the education delegate but was ignored. The delegate has promised to find a replacement for Badé.
The education delegate, Souleymane Badé, disputes Badé's account, saying he did not order him to leave but rather warned him about making videos. Abdourahmane Sall, a local education official, also claims Badé abandoned his post and had wanted to leave since last year. Sall says there are only 40 students in two classes and promises to find a replacement teacher.
The controversy has left students in Donta without an educator, highlighting the challenges faced by rural schools in Guinea. The incident raises concerns about the country's education system and the need for improved infrastructure and support for teachers.
Key points
- The teacher, Alpha Boubacar Badé, quit his job after a video showed the poor state of the school, leading to criticism of local authorities.
- Local authorities and education officials dispute Badé's account, saying he abandoned his post or left voluntarily.
- The incident has left dozens of students without a teacher, highlighting the challenges faced by rural schools in Guinea.
