Dilapidated classroom forces Wulling primary school pupils to study under trees

By Edward Adjei FRIMPONG

Infrastructure challenges continue to undermine quality education delivery in parts of Ghana, with Wulling M/A Basic School in the Jirapa Municipality of the Upper West Region emerging as a striking example.

A three-unit mud-built classroom block, constructed in 1990, has deteriorated to a dangerously unsafe condition, compelling pupils to take lessons under trees. The structure, once the main block for the school’s lower primary section—now bears deep cracks and is at risk of imminent collapse. Out of safety concerns, school authorities have vacated the building and moved classes outdoors.

The situation is also dire for the kindergarten (KG) unit. Since the school’s establishment 35 years ago, no permanent classrooms have ever been built for KG pupils. As a result, the kids also conduct their lessons in the open, with no protection from the elements and frequent interruptions from external distractions.

In an interview with Business and Financial Times, the Head Teacher of the school, Alfred Mwin-ire Ileku, described the learning environment as “dire and disheartening.” “During periods of heavy rainfall or intense heat, lessons are either disrupted or cancelled entirely. This affects concentration of the children and their academic progress,” he said.

According to Mr. Ileku, several appeals to the relevant authorities have not yielded results. “We have made numerous reports and called for support, but nothing has come of it. It is painful to watch innocent children suffer through this without intervention,” he lamented.

The school currently has an enrolment of 261 pupils, managed by only ten teachers. Of particular concern is the Junior High School, which has just two teachers handling all subjects—falling short of the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) policy of subject-based instruction. Mr. Ileku appealed to the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and philanthropic individuals to help reconstruct the damaged school block and provide basic infrastructure to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.

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