Nsanje Secondary School in dire straits
Nsanje Secondary School students are being subjected to pathetic learning environment despite the institution existing for 50 years.
At the school, female students who are learning as boarders sleep in a dilapidated hostel which was previously used as a biology laboratory.
The library has insufficient recommended books while the laboratory does not have recommended equipment as well as specimens.
The school’s Head Teacher, Overton Chikuni, described the situation as horrible.
Chikuni sounded an SOS calling for immediate action on the challenges facing the school.
“As you have seen for yourselves, the condition here is very pathetic. Almost all the areas are not in good state.
“We explained everything to the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Esther Mcheka-Chilenje, when she presided over the 50th anniversary of the institution last month. We are happy that the authorities appreciated the challenges the school is facing. We are expecting to see a change as we have opened a window for people and other stakeholders to see us and try to help,” said Chikuni.
Mcheka-Chilenje, who is Member of Parliament for Nsanje North called for concerted efforts in addressing the challenges facing the institution as learners are being exposed to unbearable learning conditions.
Chilenje said, among other things, she noted with concern that the school’s structures are in dilapidated state a development that is compromising learning process.
She noted that if Nsanje Secondary School’s situation is anything to go by, the country has a long way to go towards the achievement of quality education especially on the part of girl child.
Mcheka-Chilenje said it is shocking that since the institution’s inception in 1964, it still has no proper structures that can be used as hostels for boys and girls.
“From the look of things, the situation here at Nsanje Secondary School is horrible. You can’t even explain whether this is secondary school or not. The environment of the school is not conducive for learning for both girls and boys.
“You talk of classrooms; they do not even have chairs or desks. So, can you imagine a form four female learner sitting on the floor when learning and expecting her to have good grades, that is impossible. Even the laboratory is in pathetic condition with no materials. How can the learners perform well in sciences when they have no access to physical science and biology laboratories” said Mcheka-Chilenje.
Nsanje Secondary School has 320 learners.
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