Pupils of the Abutia Kpota E.P Basic and JHS in the Ho West District are raising concerns over what they describe as dangerous and discouraging learning conditions, as their classrooms continue to crumble with each passing year.
The school’s main block has developed multiple deep cracks, while its roof is in such a poor state that teachers are forced to close classes whenever it threatens to rain.
Some pupils told Channel One News that the situation is affecting their learning and putting their safety at risk.
Seraphine Ayikpa, a pupil at the Abutia Kpota EP Basic school, said, “When it threatens to rain, they ask us to go home because the classroom is not safe.”
Furniture shortages have further worsened the situation. Many classrooms do not have enough desks, forcing three or more pupils to share one. Teachers say the overcrowding affects writing, concentration, and overall performance.
“Teaching is becoming difficult because the children are uncomfortable. You can’t expect proper concentration when four children squeeze on one desk,” a teacher who wants to remain anonymous lamented.
The school also lacks an ICT centre, a major challenge in delivering the current curriculum.
“We teach ICT, but the children have never used a computer before. It puts them at a disadvantage during exams, and it discourages many parents from enrolling their children here,” he explained.
Though the community, led by the chief, Togbe Tsali IV, has made several efforts to patch parts of the building and provide a few desks and learning materials, residents say their support is no longer enough.
The Assembly Member for the Abutia Kpota Electoral Area, Isaac Glavi, in an interview with Channel One News, described the situation as an educational emergency.
“This school is on the verge of collapse. The community has been assisting the school for a long time, but we believe it’s time the government and other stakeholders intervene to help us address the challenges.
“The safety of the pupils is at risk, and learning is suffering. We are appealing to the Ho West District Assembly, the Ministry of Education and all benevolent organisations to come to the aid of the school urgently,” he appealed.
