A 10-year-old Standard 7 learner at Boma Primary School in Kasungu District, who has been referred to as Shwester for protection of his identity, is among hundreds of students facing challenges due to an unfinished classroom block. The block, commonly known as Chingalawa, has become a source of disturbance and insecurity during school hours. Shwester and fellow learners are fearful of being harassed and intimidated by badly behaved young people who frequent the area.
The situation at Boma Primary School is further complicated by poor sanitation facilities, which pose a risk to the health and hygiene of learners and teachers. The school's 90 teachers are forced to share one toilet, highlighting the pressure on the school's already inadequate facilities. This has raised concerns about the potential for disease outbreaks. The challenges facing the school have affected the learning environment and the delivery of quality education.
Kasungu District Council Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Zimulange Mhango, has acknowledged the challenges facing Boma Primary School. He notes that the school's enrolment of about 4,000 learners has contributed to overcrowding, with some classrooms accommodating more than 130 learners, far exceeding the recommended 60 learners per classroom. Mhango also confirms that the shortage of toilets has forced 90 teachers to share one facility.
The incomplete classroom block has become a gathering place for some badly behaved youths from surrounding communities, disrupting learning and compromising learners' safety. Mhango calls on development partners to support efforts to address the challenges facing the school. He expresses hope that the Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) will help resolve some of the infrastructure problems.
In response to the challenges, the school's management sought assistance from development partners operating in the district, including Shayona Cement Factory. The company donated 250 bags of cement, valued at over K10 million, to help complete stalled development projects at the school. The donation has brought renewed hope to learners like Shwester, who believe that completing the classroom block will improve their safety situation and provide additional space for teaching and learning.
Mhango shares Shwester's sense of optimism, saying the government is grateful for the company's intervention and believes that completing the structure will help ease classroom congestion. Shayona Cement Factory's Human Resource and Administration Manager stated that the company decided to support the institution after learning of its need for assistance to complete stalled development projects.
The support from Shayona Cement Factory represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing Boma Primary School. With the donation, learners like Shwester can look forward to a safer and more conducive learning environment. The school's management and the district council will need to work together to ensure that the completed classroom block is used effectively and that the school's other infrastructure needs are addressed.
Key points
- The unfinished classroom block at Boma Primary School has become a gathering place for badly behaved youths, disrupting learning and compromising learners' safety.
- The school's poor sanitation facilities pose a risk to the health and hygiene of learners and teachers.
- Shayona Cement Factory's donation of 250 bags of cement is expected to help complete the stalled classroom block and ease congestion.
