Barchabodor EP primary school gets 6 unit classroom block

Inadequate school infrastructure in the country especially in rural communities continues to put the future of several school-going children in jeopardy.

Though these children have the desire to be in school in order to pursue their dreams of becoming useful to society, but the absence of deserving educational infrastructure in the community continues to hinder the realization of this dream.

One of such communities that has over the years suffered the challenge of inadequate educational infrastructure is Barchabodor, a farming community in the Mion District of the northern region.

With an enrollment of 479 pupils comprising 222 girls and 277 boys, the school lacked classroom block, teaching and learning materials, and furniture among others.

These challenges invariably affected the education of children in the community.

These children, had to either trek far distances to attend school or make do with the dilapidated structure which was described as a death trap.

A situation that culminated into school dropout and absenteeism

However, an intervention by RAINS, a Non profit Organization in advancing girl child education, tackling child labour, and empowerment of women and girls is making a difference.

The construction of a six-unit classroom block with other ancillary facilities is changing the narrative.

Speaking at a short ceremony to hand over the project, board chairman of RAINS, Dr. Alhassan Musah, acknowledged the importance of the intervention to the community.

“ We know the challenges confronting governments in the developing world are so enormous that it usually will take partnerships with CSOs, the private sector and many others to ensure that the requisite infrastructure and resources are available to enhance both quality and access”

He appealed to the community to ensure that the project is properly maintained to serve its intended purpose.

“As we celebrate the opening of this beautiful School Block, I wish to appeal to the District Assembly, the GES, the School authorities and the community to ensure that the school remains in good shape so that children get the utmost benefit from this investment”

Headteacher of the school, Abukari Sulemana expressed gratitude to RAINS for the intervention.

“The infrastructure change has been resolved today and this is a step forward for the future of the children in this community “

“Though this is not the end of the myriad of challenges, but a conducive classroom block is a sure way of ensuring the safety of the children “

SDG attainment

Data from SEND GHANA’s analysis of the 2022 education sector budget revealed that some 5,403 schools were in critical condition with another 2,417 schools still under trees with GH₵3.5billion required to fix the sector’s infrastructural gap

Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) is to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes  by 2030.

To achieve this, government and stakeholders in education, must make conscious efforts to improve educational outcomes at all levels.