In the heart of Asebi, a lone primary school stands as a symbol of both resilience and neglect, with nearly three decades passing without significant development.
Asebi D/A Primary School, the only basic school in the community, continues to operate under harsh conditions, leaving both teachers and pupils struggling to access quality education.
Established nearly 30 years ago, Asebi D/A Primary School has remained largely unchanged, with its infrastructure deteriorating over time.
Cracked walls, leaking roofs, and makeshift classrooms have become the norm, forcing students to learn under unsafe and uncomfortable conditions. Teachers dedicated to their profession often resort to using their own resources to acquire teaching materials, highlighting the extent of the neglect.
Despite these challenges, the children of Asebi continue to show remarkable enthusiasm for learning. Every day, they navigate the poorly maintained school environment with high spirits, determined to receive an education against all odds.
A student by the name Bright Edward Oladele, who aspires to be a barrister, hopes the school will soon be equipped with facilities such as a computer laboratory and a library to enhance learning.
The traditional concept of a staff common room takes on a different meaning. Instead of four concrete walls, teachers are surrounded by the whispers of the wind and the rustling of leaves as they seek shelter under trees.
The headmaster of the school, Patrick Lawer, in an interview with Channel One News’ Fafali Melody Kportufe, stated: “As soon as the rain sets in, they have to run into one of the classrooms, which then ends lesson for the day.”
He continued: “We don’t have a staff common room; we have a staff common tree. These are my JHS teachers who are supposed to be in a room to do what they have to do. But we don’t have one, because we were only given a three classroom block with only an office with no other facility in it. So, the teachers are forced to sit under the tree at the mercy of the weather,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, the dedication of the teachers at Asebi D/A Primary School is undeniable. Parents and students alike commend their unwavering commitment.
According to a teacher who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the joy of seeing pupils excel is what keeps them going.
“The teaching work is dealing with the children, and we have to do what we can to take care of them. We know their situation and the kind of homes they come from. We also know what we impact in them and what it takes them to,” he stated.
The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), in collaboration with the School Management Board, has taken it upon themselves to embark on small-scale projects to improve conditions. But how do they fund these initiatives, and what hurdles do they face?
The chairman of the PTA for the school, Francis Doe Adiib-Amene said: “We have challenges with tables and chairs. So, we are appealing with authorities to come and help us with some of these things.”
A building meant to house teachers now stands abandoned, overtaken by bats, which have become its new landlords.
For parents in the community, even though an education under trees is better than none at all, they dream of a future where their children can learn in a safe and well-equipped environment.
A parent, Mavis Narteh, stated that “The teachers are very punctual and dedicated. But one thing that bothers me is the unavailability of potable water for the children. Those who don’t have money to buy the sachet water, drink from the borehole which is not very wholesome and good for their health.”
So, what is the way forward?
What are authorities saying—or perhaps doing—about this situation?
The Assembly Member, Kutuwe Electoral Area said that the assembly has taken steps to address the situation.
“Now that there is a change in government, we have notified our regional minister, and our assembly man too is also working on it. A few weeks ago, he asked us to conduct an audit of schools and submit t list of all the schools that need renovation.”
The Director of Education for Shai Osudoku added: “We are very much what is happening in Asebi, and steps are being taken to address the issues as when the funds are secured. We have not been able to solve everything, but we will do our best to address them all,” she stated.
