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Teachers and students of Odaso D/A Primary School in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region are facing significant challenges that threaten the quality of education in the school. Inadequate classrooms and poor teaching environments have forced teachers and pupils to study under unsafe conditions, impacting both academic performance and student safety.
Speaking to the media during a visit to the school, the teachers lamented the lack of adequate classrooms. They revealed that class six pupils are currently studying under trees due to overcrowded classrooms. This situation leaves students vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, forcing them to return home whenever it rains, which disrupts their studies.
“We have no other option but to have the students learn outside, under trees. Unfortunately, when it rains, we are left with no choice but to send them home,” one of the teachers stated. “This is not conducive for quality education, and it affects their concentration and performance.”
Apart from the classroom issue, the teachers raised concerns about the safety of the pupils on the school premises. According to them, vehicles and motorbikes often pass through the school compound, posing a serious threat to the children, especially the younger ones. They called for urgent measures to prevent such traffic in the school area to ensure the safety of the students.
The headteacher of the school, Mr. Bismark Obeng, shared similar sentiments, stressing the need for the construction of new classroom blocks to accommodate the growing number of pupils. He explained that the current infrastructure is inadequate, and the situation is exacerbated by the lack of teacher accommodation.
“We are appealing to the District Assembly to come to our aid by building more classroom blocks and providing teachers’ accommodation. Currently, six teachers are forced to share two bungalows with a female teacher, which is uncomfortable for everyone involved,” Mr. Obeng explained.
The lack of teacher accommodation has made it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers in the school, further affecting the quality of education offered to the students. Mr. Obeng urged the district authorities to address the issue promptly, as it not only impacts the teachers but also the overall performance of the school.
The challenges faced by Odaso D/A Primary School reflect a broader issue affecting rural education in Ghana. Many schools in rural areas lack basic infrastructure such as classrooms, teacher accommodation, and other essential resources. The situation at Odaso D/A Primary School serves as a reminder of the urgent need for investment in rural education to ensure that every child, regardless of location, has access to quality education in a safe and conducive environment.
The teachers and headteacher of Odaso D/A Primary School are hopeful that the Amansie Central District Assembly and other relevant stakeholders will respond to their call for assistance. For now, the children of Odaso continue to study under trees, vulnerable to rain, sun, and other environmental challenges, while their teachers struggle to provide them with the education they deserve.
By Joseph Amoateng Jnr (Oyerepa TV)
