NEEDY BUT BRILLIANT

It is said that the bedrock of a successful generation is education; and to give this lasting legacy to our generation, access, affordability and quality must remain a priority. Quality has however been a major cause of concern and has dented the image of our education. Although some schools in the Atwima Kwawoma district of the Ashanti region seems to have a reputable academic record, it has unfortunately been smeared in this. The district which was ranked third in last year's Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) recorded hundred per cent passes in over fifty schools out of the sixty-three schools that registered for the exams. Unfortunately the school has been battling with some basic logistics like limited writing desk, broken windows and doors, small classroom size with it associated leaking roof among other disturbing concerns.

These are just a few of many concerns shared by school authorities across the district. A visit to some of the schools including, Hwidiem district assembly primary and junior high school reveals the gravity of the problem. Here it was clear that the limited number of writing desk necessitated the use of a pew in some classroom like the p.3 classroom while the kindergarten section of the school remains an eye-sore as some of the kids can be seen sitting on the floor whereas those fortunate sit in three's instead of the ideal one desk per head. The situation coupled with the deplorable nature of what can best pass as an abandoned structure is filled with filth with it associated stench. Class teacher, Madam Theresa Afriyie tells me they have been in this structure for the past six years after having moved from a very frail structure. The room which has no windows and doors does not only pose a security threat, nor a safe haven for residents to not only ease themselves but engage in deleterious activities it can also threaten the health of these kids. Head teacher of the school, Mr. Samuel Lotsu admits that this is not only a cause of worry to the teachers and the children, but a worry to the school. According to him, the JHS section of the school has recorded a number of theft cases as some of their stationary materials have been stolen due to the absence of a window. Again the frailty and the absence of a lee gave room for the rains sets in and hence affect studies.

The situation is dire at the Twedie district assembly primary and Junior high school as headmistress of the school, Mrs. Rita enumerated a host of problems the school is grappled with. One notable concern is the fact that most of the small classrooms hordes a large number of students making it difficult to ensure independent work, aside this problem, the school faces some problem with the quantity and quality of food served for the children.

The public relations officer of the district education, Mr., Daniel Kyei confirmed these concerns but was however quick to point out that the situation is not all that gloomy since there have been some improvements made. He highlighted a number of developments made including the completion of a classroom block at both Foase district assembly junior high / primary and the Roman Catholic primary and junior high schools for Twedie. He however did not discount the challenges of the district assembly which was supposed to be a catalyst of change was facing. According to him, the education office has written to the district assembly for help about two years ago but had a response that there were no funds. For him, these turbulent economic times are taking a toll on the work of the assembly.

Meanwhile until some help come to the need of these ebullient children, they would perhaps have to learn under these harsh conditions and things might get from worse to ugly; meanwhile, It is to be noted that the district chalked third in the 2013 BECE and recorded sixth at the national level. It recorded hundred per cent passes in over fifty schools but had some school like Nweneso district assembly junior high school recording 76% as the least.

Adjei, Frank.
P.o box,12793
Accra.
Email: [email protected]
0242136318.