Poor Infrastructure Undermining Primary Education in Wulukoha Clan

J. Mason Kollie

Wulukoha Clan, Kolahun District…Primary education in Wulukoha is experiencing serious challenges due to poor infrastructures. The appalling situation continues to undermine teaching and learning activities. Kids can be seen learning in unsafe and unconducive classroom environments.

The poor infrastructure has also worsening the already poor-quality education within the Wulukoha Clan.

In the midst of the challenges, several towns struggle to maintain existing schools.  In addition to the poor infrastructures, there is also inadequate teaching staff in most of the schools.

During a recent visit in the clan, Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN observed that schools in Hilgbelahun, Kortuvela and Tongolahun towns are in dilapidated conditions with inadequate assigned government teachers and volunteer teachers.

Residents of some of the towns often engage in self-help initiative to renovate their school buildings or build new ones which can most time be substandard. Some towns were seen rallying with limited resources to build more classrooms and cater to the wellbeing of volunteer teachers during RRNN visit.

The Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the Tongolahun Public School, Edwin Fallah said the association is struggling to pay volunteer teachers and build more classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students.

In addition to the poor infrastructures and lack of funds to pay teachers, most of the schools have limited access to supplies/teaching materials. The PTA Chairman could not hold his words when he said:  

“As I talk to you, we don’t have chalk, our blackboard is not shining, and we don’t have enough teachers for most of the schools you see around here.  So, we really need help”, Edwin Fallah, PTA chairman said.

The primary schools in the three towns visited by RRNN are attending to students from nearby towns and villages, making them significant learning institutions in the community.

With no money to pay salaries, the community often put together to help volunteer teachers with their farm work in appreciation of their services.

Most school pupils seen had on fade school unforms, and some did not have on uniforms. Compounding the situation is the lack of footwears for many students.  Most of the students RRNN saw and interacted with on their way to school had on slippers, depicting the harsh reality of rural families.

Teachers and parents say the poor infrastructure is negatively affecting student concentration and attendance. During the rainy season, lessons are frequently interrupted as water enters classrooms, forcing teachers to suspend instruction for that day.

“We want our children to learn, but the condition of the school is discouraging,” said a local parent. “Sometimes they come home early because the classrooms are not safe.”

Education stakeholders warn that poor learning environments contribute to declining academic performance and increased dropout rates, particularly among younger pupils who require stable and supportive classroom settings.

Teachers explained that the absence of teaching materials and suitable classroom space makes it difficult to deliver effective lessons. “We are committed to our students, but without proper buildings and resources, it becomes very challenging,” the teacher noted.

Community leaders are calling on the Ministry of Education, local authorities, and development partners to prioritize school infrastructure improvements in Wulukoha Clan.