Obala: College students study in roofless Classrooms
At least 110 college students of CES de Nkol-Melen in Obala in the Lekieh Division of the Centre region have since Monday, March 6, 2023, been studying in roofless classrooms. They are exposed to high insolation rates and possible rainfall. Some have been using plywood to shelter themselves from harsh sunshine while learning.
This is a result of a tornado that struck Obala on Sunday, blowing off the roof of the school building with some damage to the walls.
” On Sunday at about 5 pm when I returned home in the strong winds, I heard a loud and frightening sound. When I turned in panic, I saw the roof of the school on the ground. I began imagining what would have become of my family if it fell on my house. I thank God that was not the case.” A nearby resident explained.
The school Director and the rest of the staff now use the school compound as their office and staff room, due to the enormous destruction caused in their offices.
” We are without offices for now because the material damage is huge. Most vital documents were also destroyed. Some were saved thanks to a neighbor. For now, we are managing outside despite the harsh climatic condition. At times some staff body is compelled to escape.” Said the Director, Marie Cunégonde Assiene.
Created in 2016 with the joint efforts of the local population, the school is still a shadow of itself despite several help appeals addressed to competent educational authorities.
With the current situation in which the teachers and students of this school impact knowledge and learning respectively, it is hoped the government will intervene and meet the demands of the school administration and elites of Obala of a befitting structure.
