By Jennifer Acheng
Over 1,000 learners of two primary schools in Nyakwae sub-county in Abim district are currently studying under tree shades after winds deroofed their classroom blocks.
The classroom blocks at Oreta P/S, Pupukamuya P/S were blown off by a storm, in 2011, and 2016 respectively, leaving a section of learners with nowhere to study from for years.
Information established by our reporter indicates that at Oreta primary school, with an enrollment of 1,466 learners, wind blew off a classroom block, which houses pupils from primary one to four, forcing teachers to utilize the available shades within the school premises for lessons.
A teacher who preferred anonymity at one of the affected schools says during rainy season, they are forced to suspend afternoon lessons, due to lack of space, as pupils have to study in shifts, further observing that this has affected the performance of pupils, as they have only registered two first grades in the last two years.
The situation is not any different at Pupukamuya primary school with an enrollment of 1,665 pupils as the p6-p7 block, including the store has no roof
Franco Ochuu, the Nyakwae sub-county LC3 Chairperson says, besides the two primary schools, Nyakwae seed school, the only secondary school in the area is also operating without an administration block, after their roof was blown off by winds in 2023.
Ochuu, says they have severally written to the district education department about the issue, but it has not yielded positive result.
Magaret Auma, the Abim district inspector of schools, acknowledges the challenges, saying the issue is widespread. She further disclosed that schools like, Gulonger, Aninata, Oryeotyene, Aywee and Amita face a similar problem.
She however, said that the district is in the process of awarding contracts to seven construction companies to repair and renovate the affected blocks.
