The town of Yomou in Guinea's Nzérékoré region welcomed the new academic year on October 5, 2026, with schools reopening from primary to secondary levels. Despite a strong show of presence from teachers and school administrators, the number of students attending classes on the first day was less than anticipated. According to the Director of Prefectural Education, Fassou Pé LOUA, all necessary pedagogical and administrative arrangements had been made prior to the reopening.
LOUA expressed satisfaction with the high turnout of teachers and the discipline displayed by students, but noted that student attendance was below expectations. He urged parents to send their children to school, emphasizing that delaying their return to class would hinder their academic progress. The Director Prefectoral de l'Éducation also reiterated the education authorities' commitment to adhering to the school calendar and curriculum.
At the Collège du Centre in Yomou, Principal Pierre BALAMOU shared his satisfaction with the smooth start to the academic year, but highlighted a pressing concern: the shortage of classrooms due to a growing student population. He called for the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of students. BALAMOU also encouraged parents to send their children to school, citing the availability of teaching materials and a complete administrative team.
Similarly, at Collège Dinda, Principal Youssouf KPOGHOMOU reported a high level of teacher attendance and a positive atmosphere on the first day of school. He expressed confidence that student attendance would improve by mid-week and that the school was well-prepared to handle the new academic year. KPOGHOMOU also mentioned that new students in 7th grade had been oriented, and classes had started in rooms with sufficient student numbers.
At the Lycée Moderne de Yomou, Headmaster Sékou Yoro KPOGHOMOU assessed the first day of school as positive, praising the maturity of the students and the rigor of the teaching staff. He encouraged students to maintain their attendance and focus on their studies to achieve better results. KPOGHOMOU also emphasized the importance of adhering to the school calendar, given its constraints.
Students across various schools in Yomou expressed their enthusiasm and determination to excel in the new academic year. Joseph Laurent KPOGHOMOU, a terminal science student at the Lycée Moderne, felt well-prepared and motivated to take on the challenges of the academic year. His peers, including Hélène KOULEMOU and Koto Arnualutte BALAMOU, shared similar sentiments, citing the presence of teachers and a conducive learning environment as sources of inspiration.
As the academic year progresses, schools in Yomou will need to address the challenges of low student attendance and infrastructure shortages. With the commitment of teachers, administrators, and students, the education sector in Yomou is poised to make progress in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Key points
- The 2026-2027 academic year has started in Yomou, Guinea, with a notable presence of teachers but lower-than-expected student attendance.
