Hassa Memorial Primary School in Adok sub-county, Dokolo district, is grappling with a severe shortage of latrines, raising fears of possible school closure due to public health concerns.
Speaking during the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Annual General Meeting on Friday, head teacher Boniface Opio said the existing latrines for both boys and girls are in deplorable condition, almost full and sinking, especially those used by the girls.
Opio warned that the school, which has an enrollment of 1,446 learners (737 boys and 709 girls), risks being shut down if health inspectors inspect and find the sanitation state unacceptable.
In addition to the latrine crisis, the school lacks desks, forcing learners from Primary One to Primary Four to sit on the floor. Several classrooms also require urgent renovation.
He criticized parents for failing to contribute to the PTA development fund for the past four years, saying these funds could have supported the construction of new latrines.
Opio also reported high absenteeism and dropout rates, noting that only 880 learners reported back for the second term.
“We appeal to parents to support the school financially and encourage their children to stay in school for a better future,” Opio urged.
School Management Committee (SMC) chairperson Dick Oyuku echoed the call for support from district and sub-county leaders, as well as well-wishers.
He highlighted some achievements, including the construction of nine staff houses and the establishment of a boarding section currently hosting 42 Primary Seven candidates.
Oyuku also announced that the school has planted one hectare of cocoa with 507 seedlings as part of a long-term income-generating project. He urged the surrounding community to protect the plantation for the school’s development.
Susan Naume Amongi, the sub-county chief (Senior Assistant Secretary) of Adok, noted that three schools in the sub-county, including Hassa Memorial, have embraced cocoa farming under a development initiative and encouraged continued support for such income-generating activities.
Adok sub-county LC3 chairperson Rubby Ogwali pledged to escalate the school’s challenges to the district authorities and called on parents to take an active role in their children’s education while supporting agricultural development projects like the cocoa plantation.
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