Kindergarten pupils in Gbache, a community in the Wa West District, are forced to sit under shea trees to attend classes due to the absence of a proper school structure. Concerned parents have raised alarm over the situation, saying it is negatively affecting their children's education and health.
According to the parents, the children sit on the bare ground under the trees while their teacher conducts lessons. They noted that classes are often cut short whenever it threatens to rain, disrupting the learning process and reducing valuable teaching time.
Mr. Bantaaa Togsun, a parent, expressed deep concern about the health risks posed to the children. “Our children are exposed to the weather in both the rainy and Harmattan seasons. Their health is at risk because of the harsh conditions they face every day,” he said. “Truly, we don’t have a classroom. The children are sitting under trees, and when you see them and their teachers, they are all dirty because of the dust and the poor learning environment.”
He appealed to the government and charitable organizations to assist the community by providing a proper classroom facility to improve the learning environment.
Madam Muniratu Imoru, a volunteer with the Lovely Mind Program, also shared her concerns about the situation. “It is very worrying for us as mothers. Our children have no furniture to sit on, so they spread sacks on the ground. Even the teachers sit on the ground with them. When we finish classes, our clothes are dirty — you can imagine how the children feel,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Ayila Yelsung, highlighted the impact of the poor infrastructure on school attendance. He explained that many children aged between 3 and 4 years who should be in school are not attending due to the lack of a proper learning structure.
"When children have to sit under trees to learn, it discourages them from going to school regularly. A proper classroom will motivate them to attend school and improve their learning experience," Mr. Yelsung said.
Parents and community members are hopeful that their appeal will reach the right authorities and that urgent action will be taken to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for the children of Gbache.
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