Mshiu Primary and JSS Deputy Headteacher Sofia Manga has appealed to well-wishers and relevant authorities to help construct additional classrooms and renovate existing ones.
Manga expressed her concerns, stating that the majority of the school’s classrooms suffer from leaking roofs and broken floors, which greatly inconvenience the learning process.
She said during the rainy season, students struggle to concentrate due to the constant dripping of water from the roofs, creating an uncomfortable and distracting environment.
“Anyone in a position to assist us please do so, we are having problems with our learning environment and it is affecting both students and teachers,” she said.
She said the situation not only hampers the children’s academic performance but also affects their overall well-being and motivation to attend school.
Manga appreciated the efforts by Base Titanium in constructing two classrooms for the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) programme, noting that while this assistance is valuable, more action is needed as the school population continues to grow.
Currently, the school has a population of 794 students; 167 in Junior Secondary School (JSS), 457 in Primary, and 170 in the ECDE programme.
She said with such a high number of students, the need for additional classrooms has become increasingly urgent.
The Deputy Headteacher said that the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has further complicated the situation, as it requires a more conducive learning environment and adequate facilities to support effective teaching and learning.
She cited an example from a Grade 6 classroom where the number of students exceeds the recommended limit, leading to overcrowding that hinders their ability to engage fully in their studies.
“Our teachers are doing their best under challenging conditions, but the physical environment plays a crucial role in the learning process,” said Manga.
Manga stressed that the addition of modern classrooms equipped to support Information and Communication Technology studies is essential for aligning with the CBC program.
She said that as education evolves, integrating technology into the learning environment becomes increasingly important for preparing students for the future.
She said access to modern classrooms that facilitate ICT learning is not just a luxury but a necessity in today’s educational landscape.
“Our students need the skills and knowledge to thrive in a technology-driven world, and that starts with having the right facilities and resources,” she said.
She noted that the current classrooms lack the infrastructure to support advanced learning methods, such as digital learning tools, projectors and interactive teaching approaches.
Manga said by investing in ICT-capable classrooms, the school can enhance students’ engagement, foster critical thinking skills, and better prepare them for future academic and career opportunities.
She also decried insufficient desks noting that some students are forced to sit on the floor, especially the ECDE learners.
Manga said it is vital to address the infrastructural needs to ensure that students learn comfortably and efficiently.
“We must work together to ensure that our children have access to quality education that meets the demands of a rapidly changing world,” she said.
By Shaban Omar
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