Danger could befall over 400 pupils and teachers at Nana Avoh Nwiah Basic School in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, as they had no option but to teach and study under this dilapidated death trap structure.
Teaching and learning had been taking place for years in this death trap wooden structure, which was preventing some pupils from going to school, a situation which has affected the enrolments.
Infrastructure is the backbone of any educational institution, playing a pivotal role in creating a conducive and positive learning environment, but for pupils at Nana Avoh Nwiah Basic School, it was the opposite.
Quality facilities are essential for the well-being of pupils, making school more engaging and motivating children to attend regularly, which significantly improves overall attendance.
Again, the condition of a school infrastructure also has a direct impact on student performance, as a safe and comfortable setting is fundamental to the learning process.
Unfortunately, the situation at Nana Avoh Nwiah Basic School in the Jomoro Municipal Assembly has long been a different story.
For years, the school has been a stark contrast to the ideal learning environment.
Pupils are forced to study in a dilapidated wooden structure, lacking proper desks and basic comfort.
They sit on backless benches on dusty, uncemented floors during school hours.
Furthermore, teachers have no choice but to close the school whenever it rains due to the tattered state of the roofing. On the day that they were unable to close, teachers had to pack all the over 400 pupils in one of the classrooms they claim to be better.
The open nature of the structure exposes the children to dangerous reptiles, as teachers recalled a snake dropping from the roof into one of the classes during teaching and learning.
Apart from these educational challenges, the community had been cut off from others due to a collapsed bridge. Road infrastructure is currently not the best, but the Assembly and the Member of Parliament keep reshaping the road.
This narrative is about to change through the intervention of the Member of Parliament for Jomoro and Deputy Transport Minister, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey.
The MP has funded and constructed a modern six-unit classroom block to replace the decayed structure.
The new building, which includes ancillary facilities such as a headmaster’s office, a staff common room, and modern washrooms fitted with ceiling fans and well ventilated, will be ready for commissioning this March.
Speaking to Onua News during an inspection tour of her ongoing projects, the minister expressed her joy over the progress.
She clarified that this is one of the many schools she is personally funding to enhance teaching and learning in the area.
”I paid a visit to the Avonyaa community some time ago and was deeply moved by the sight of the wooden structure being used by the children,” she revealed.
“I quickly raised funds to provide them with a modern facility, and today we are witnessing what the Lord has done.”
The Jomoro lawmaker promised to continue her efforts to improve education in the area while using the occasion to urge parents to prioritise the education of their wards.
Madam Affo-Toffey said as a mother and educated woman, her priority is to seek quality education in her constituency.
She assured that the newly built classroom block will be furnished to ensure pupils have a conducive learning atmosphere.
By Timothy Antwi-Otoo|3news.com|Ghana
