Enrolment at the Koforidua Oyoko Roman Catholic Kindergarten School has started picking up following the commissioning of a modern KG block.
The poor state of the old block coupled with seasonal flooding of the school compelled many parents to withdraw their children from the School.
The Koforidua Oyoko RC KG was one of the most populated in the community due to the excellent performance of teachers in the school.
However, the population reduced drastically leaving only 11 pupils after parents withdrew their children after near deadly flooding last year. It took the intervention of personnel of Ghana Fire Service to rescue both pupils and teachers.
Efforts to get support from government to build a new KG Block in none flood-prone area was not forthcoming amidst dwindling population, compelling management of the school to solicit funds from parents and philanthropists to put up a modern KG block which was commissioned recently.
The headteacher of the school, Boampong William was optimistic enrolment will increase henceforth.
“The KG building was dilapidated and also whenever it rained the whole place become flooded which pupils found it difficult to enter into the classroom. At a point, it took the intervention of Fire Service to rescue both pupils and Teachers. We were having a very large enrolment but because of this structure parents were just withdrawing their children from the School,” he said.
He added: “with this new KG block commissioned, we are hopeful enrolment will increase again. As we speak many parents have started bringing their children.”
Ghana’s Ministry of Education 2012 Operational Plan to Scale Up Quality Kindergarten Education nationwide has not seen any significant implementation despite the importance of quality early childhood education.
Many Public schools, particularly in rural areas, have terrible KG classroom while others still struggle to get conducive teaching environment for the youngsters.
The Eastern Regional Manager of Catholic Education Unit, Jude Gyate, bemoaned that many KG classrooms in Catholic schools are in deplorable state.
He called on the government to make KG facilities attractive and conducive to the school going age pupils who are vulnerable.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
