GOVT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS GRAPPLING WITH FURNITURE SHORTAGE APPEAL FOR SUPPORT

Primary one pupils of Idrimari p/s during class session.

By Araba Kalsum 

Moyo

Several government-aided primary schools in Laropi Sub-county and Laropi Town Council in Moyo District are struggling with inadequate sitting facilities, a challenge that is negatively affecting teaching and learning.

During a visit by Radio Pacis, the Acting Deputy Head Teacher of Idrimari Primary School, Mawadri Guma William, said the shortage of desks has forced many learners, especially those in the lower primary classes, to attend lessons while seated on the classroom floor.

“It is indeed true that our learners, especially those in the lower classes, sit on the floor during lessons. Our school population has now risen to over 735 pupils, but the available sitting facilities are not enough. Primary One, Primary Two, and Primary Three learners are the most affected. This is one of our biggest challenges,” Mawadri said.

The Primary One class teacher, Anyase Christopher, explained that the situation has created several challenges for both learners and teachers.

“Because of the shortage of sitting facilities, our learners sit on the floor. Since they are still young, many develop poor sitting postures, especially the girls. This has prompted us to encourage parents to provide them with pairs of shorts to wear under their uniforms,” he noted.

Anyase continued that, “however, the learners frequently dirty their clothes, moving around the classroom becomes difficult, and teaching good handwriting is challenging when they are writing from the floor.”

“During the afternoon lessons, many become tired and even fall asleep after the many activities they engage in. We appeal for adequate desks because this would greatly improve learning conditions,” Anyase said.

Meanwhile, the Head Teacher of Laropi Primary School, Kopi Patrick, revealed that the shortage affects not only learners but also teachers.

“Our enrolment is quite high, but we do not have enough desks, especially for Primary Three, Primary Four, and Primary Five classes, which are overcrowded. We also need more chairs and tables for teachers because each teacher is expected to have a place to sit and work in class. The lack of these facilities is seriously affecting the teaching and learning process,” Kopi disclosed.

The shortage of sitting facilities continues to undermine the achievement of Universal Primary Education (UPE) objectives by affecting the quality of education, pupils’ academic performance, school attendance, retention, staffing efficiency, and the overall learning environment.

School administrators are appealing to the government and development partners to provide additional desks, chairs, and tables to improve learning conditions in the affected schools.