The Percheyire R/C Basic School in Ghana's Eastern Region is facing safety concerns due to a dilapidated classroom structure that accommodates pupils from Primary four to six. The structure has worn-out roofing sheets, mud walls, and sections supported by wood used as pillars, posing a risk to the safety of teachers and learners. The school's authorities have expressed concern that the structure could cave-in in the case of a heavy storm.
According to a teacher at the school, who requested anonymity, teaching and learning become impossible when the rains set in. The teacher mentioned that about 30 pupils currently use the dilapidated structure, but expressed grave concern about its condition. The situation affects only the upper primary section, as pupils from Kindergarten to Primary three are housed in a relatively better block.
The teacher noted that the safety of pupils, their furniture, and books remains a concern, particularly during heavy rains. The situation has been reported to the relevant authorities, and the school is hopeful that the structure will eventually be reconstructed. Authorities had visited the school and indicated that work would be undertaken, but the school is yet to receive further information on when the project will begin.
A former teacher of the school, Rev. Elizabeth Korasare, expressed surprise that the structure is still in use after 38 years. She appealed to stakeholders to support the school by building a modern structure and improving the road network. The school serves pupils from Percheyire and three neighboring communities, and the poor road network is another challenge affecting enrollment.
The school currently has about 110 pupils from Kindergarten through Junior High School, according to the Head teacher. Improving both the classroom infrastructure and the road network would help create a more conducive learning environment and potentially improve enrollment. An enrollment drive in one of the communities, Togodo, showed that more than 60 school-going children live in the community but are unable to attend the school regularly due to distance and poor roads.
Rev. Elizabeth Korasare's concerns echo the need for urgent attention to the school's infrastructure. The school's challenges highlight the need for stakeholders to support the school in addressing its infrastructure and road network challenges. The authorities' response to the situation will be crucial in ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for the pupils.
The situation at Percheyire R/C Basic School underscores the importance of investing in education infrastructure to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Key points
- The dilapidated classroom structure poses a risk to the safety of teachers and learners.
- The school's poor road network affects enrollment and access to education.
- Stakeholders are urged to support the school in addressing its infrastructure and road network challenges.
