The Nanori Presby Primary Pupils continue to learn in a death trap as the school’s GETFUND Project has turned into stalls.
It is a Tuesday morning at Nanori Presby Primary School in the East Mamprusi Municipality, and young voices are rising in prayer. But their pleas are not just for knowledge—they are cries for survival. In a school where education should be a beacon of hope, fear and uncertainty dominate the daily routine.
Class was in session when teachers noticed the weak structure of the kindergarten classroom.
“Knowing the weak nature of the structure, I, together with my colleagues, sent all the children to the uncompleted building, which we think is better—looks somehow standard in terms of strength. After we succeeded in sending all the children into the uncompleted building, in less than ten minutes, the wall collapsed. If the children were there, I would have killed most of them, and you can imagine.’’
Mr. Shaibu Akwah, Head Teacher
The response from authorities has been disheartening. Despite several reports and appeals, little to no action has been taken.
“They came and told us that we should contribute,” Mr. Joshua Odim the assemblyman of the community said, describing how responsibility was shifted onto the community. ‘‘I assembled my people, provided blocks, and we built it, and it collapsed again.’’
Despite persistent efforts, the authorities have remained indifferent.
“So, we called the assembly, and they came and said they would look at it. That they would look at it—and went back. Up till now, nothing has been done.”
Mr. Shaibu Akwah, Head Teacher
The remnants of what should be a safe learning environment tell a grim story. The youngest and most vulnerable learners—kindergarten and lower primary pupils—are crammed into a single, dilapidated room.
A Failed Promise: The Unfinished GETFund Project
Meanwhile, in 2012, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) initiated the construction of a six-unit classroom block. Twelve years later, the skeletal remains of the project stand as a monument to broken promises. The community reported the issue to local authorities, but their concerns fell on deaf ears.
“Even the planner came here, and the director looked at it and went back. We didn’t hear anything from them up till now. Every time, more pupils drop out. Others trek about eight kilometers to Gambaga for better learning conditions. Many never return.”
Mr. Shaibu Akwah, Head Teacher
Attempts to introduce a junior high school within the community have been futile. However, the daily eight-kilometer journey to Gambaga remains a daunting obstacle.
Learning at the Mercy of the Weather
During the rainy season, education at Nanori Presby Primary School becomes a dangerous gamble.
“When it rains, we don’t feel comfortable keeping the children here because of the nature of the structure. The structure is weak, so anything can happen.’’
“Sometimes we are tempted to send the children home during normal class hours when there are signs of rain—because of what we saw the other time. Look at this open environment. You can imagine—Harmattan will soon be in, and when it sets in, it comes with its own challenges. Imagine how children can learn here comfortably in this open environment.’’
Mr. Shaibu Akwah, Head Teacher
Despite numerous complaints and letters from the local assembly, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has done little to intervene.
The story of Nanori Presby Primary School is one of resilience against overwhelming neglect. The community has fought to keep education alive despite the odds, but they can only do so much without support.
For twelve years, the children of Nanori have been forced to study in fear, uncertainty, and extreme discomfort. The time for action is long overdue. Will the authorities finally listen? Or will another twelve years pass, leaving more dreams crushed under the weight of broken walls and empty promises?
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