By Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.
GOKALA TOWN, GBARPOLU – As the new school year looms, the residents of Gokala Town are left with a mix of hope and frustration.
Located along the Tubmanburg-Bopolu highway, the Jallah Lone Elementary Public School has made significant strides in student registration but faces pressing challenges that threaten its ability to provide a safe and effective learning environment, according to the School Principal.
The principal, J. Boakai Massaquoi, disclosed that 82 students have pre-registered for the upcoming school year, a significant rise from the 38 students who attended last year. “With the support of the PTA, we believe we can sustain this increased registration,” he stated.
Section 3.1 of the Education Law states that: “Every parent, guardian or other persons having control of any child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall cause such child to attend a recognized public or private school regularly during the entire time the school is in session, provided such parents or guardians have the means to meet the minimum requirements of the school.”
As a means of ensuring the rights of each child to education, the Government has encouraged free education up to the high school levels. Currently, the minimum registration requirement for government elementary school is L$1,000.00 per year, according to the Ministry of Education circular.
However, the excitement surrounding this growth is overshadowed by a stark reality: since 2019, Boakai has been the only government-employed teacher at the school. “The government said they would send teachers, but up to now, no teachers have arrived. But that doesn’t mean we will not open,” he said. Even though this determination is admirable, it highlights a systemic failure that leaves the school’s educational quality at risk.
Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman, James J. Massaquoi said, “We want the government to send us teachers because the principal alone cannot do the work. He said that through community outreach along with the principal, they have registered over 80 students from 11 communities and villages around the school. So, “We also want the government to renovate this school,” he said, emphasizing the critical importance of government support.
The PTA’s concerns extend beyond staffing issues. The school currently lacks basic facilities such as toilets and safe drinking water. “We lack toilet facilities, and there is no safe drinking water for the school. We want the government to come in to provide all the equipment that needs to be in place for our students,” the Chairman implored.
These unmet basic needs not only jeopardize health and safety but also hinder students’ ability to focus on their studies, according to the PTA. Besides, the lack of resources is painfully evident within the school. The School Principal, Boakai Massaquoi also revealed that out of 42 armchairs available, only 18 are in usable condition. “We have asked parents to have their children carry their chairs while we wait for the government,” he said, a statement that underscores the indignity students face. In this situation, Boakai said it represents a violation of students’ right to a proper educational environment.
Compounding these issues, the school relies on four volunteer teachers who do not meet government verification requirements according to the principal. “The volunteers did not take part in the government volunteers’ verification because they don’t have a ‘C’ certificate as required by the government,” Boakai explained.
He believes that the lack of qualified personnel puts further strain on the school’s ability to deliver quality education.
In response to these pressing concerns, Latta Bemah Sr., the Bopolu District Education Officer, said, “We are aware of the situation and are working to address the staffing and resource shortages.” The DEO also disclosed that the government is committed to improving educational facilities across the district. ”We are working to transport available armchairs to Jallah Lone and other school very soon,” Mr Bemah said.
For her part, the County Education Officer (CEO) Madam Oritha Whonday Brown has identified Jallah Lone Elementary as a key area for educational improvement. In an exclusive interview on the local radio in Gbarpolu, she emphasized the importance of community support, urging parents to get involved ahead of the school opening on September 2, 2024. “While we working to address the teacher gap, we also need the PTA active participation to prepare our children for success,” Madam Brown stated.
In her address, she encouraged school administrators to thoroughly inspect their campuses and ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for a smooth start. “We are committed to reopening all schools this year,” she affirmed, appealing for collaboration from parents and educators alike.
However, her message was met with criticism from concerned callers, including Jango Kanneh and James Morlu Kesselly. They highlighted the poor conditions at Jallah Lone Public School and questioned the support available for schools in remote areas that receive infrequent visits from the CEO.
Both callers stressed the necessity for parents to prioritize their children’s education while calling on the government to take immediate action. “We must act today for the sake of tomorrow’s leaders,” Kesselly implored, echoing the sentiments of many who seek better educational opportunities for all students in Gbarpolu County.
As the countdown to the new school year begins, the communities remain hopeful for positive changes and a commitment to addressing the challenges facing local schools. However, Jallah Lone Public School and several community’s schools in Gbarpolu are left wondering how long they must wait for meaningful change.
