By J Boimah Johnson/Bong County Correspondent
More than 70 school-going children in Soblema Town, Bluyeama Clan, Zorzor District, continue to study in unsafe and unhealthy conditions after a violent windstorm destroyed their school building two years ago.
With no proper classrooms available, the students are now taking lessons under an unfinished structure belonging to the school principal as they struggle to continue their education despite the difficult environment.
Residents say the situation is affecting the children’s learning and wellbeing, especially during bad weather conditions when classes are often disrupted because the temporary structure cannot fully protect students from rain and heat.
Community members also explained that cattle frequently roam around the same area where the children sit for classes, exposing them to unhealthy surroundings and making learning even more challenging for the students.
Principal Evan Anthony O. Korboi of the Soblema Public School said the institution was established in 1998 to provide education opportunities for children in the town and nearby communities.
According to Principal Korboi, the school has survived over the years mainly through community sacrifices and volunteer support from teachers and residents who continue to value education despite limited resources.
“Since the accident occurred, there’s no assistance in order to rebuild the school for the children to have a conducive learning environment,” Korboi told journalists.
He revealed that the school currently depends on three volunteer teachers who continue teaching even though they receive little or no regular support for their services.
“At times, they receive only 5,000 Liberian Dollars as compensation for their services,” the principal explained, while praising the teachers for remaining committed to the children’s education.
Residents of Soblema Town are now appealing to humanitarian organizations, government institutions, and goodwill individuals to help rebuild the damaged school.
Community members said they are willing to contribute local materials and labor if donors can assist with zinc, cement, nails, steel rods, and other building supplies.
“We are fully prepared to provide some of the local materials if we have donors to help us provide zinc, nails, cement, steel rods, and other essential supplies,” community dwellers said.
