Pupils of G.S Nka learn in precarious conditions
Three weeks into the 2023/2024 academic year, educational institutions like Government Primary School Nka in the Menoua Division of the West region, are a shadow of themselves. Videos of this school emerged, where pupils are seen receiving lessons while seated on the rough and dirty floor, because of insufficient benches.
The few benches available cannot take the large number of pupils per class, four children could be seen sitting at a desk, making the teaching and learning process unbearable.
A pupil complained, “Most of the school benches are broken. Just a few are available. We squeeze ourselves on a bench which makes it difficult to copy notes”.
Apart from the issue of insufficient benches, the ceilings of the classrooms are worn out. The floors have holes,
” Even when I teach I fear going near the holes. A serpent might be inside. The safety of the children too is questionable. They suffer a lot.” Said a teacher.
Another thing Nka village lacks is a good hospital. The lone existing medical facility, Nka Integrated Health Centre has a poor infrastructure, and lacks equipment, staff and medications.
Medical staff confirmed, “The hospital is seriously dilapidated. We need equipment if not we are only wasting time here. A hospital cannot function without them, since examinations have to be conducted and so on”.
With the present state of the health centre, patients are forced to cover kilometres to seek proper medical care elsewhere.
