Hundreds OF pupils in thirty basic schools in the Chereponi and Sagnarigu districts in the Northern region are likely not to report to class when school reopens in the next academic year this September.
This is simply because their classroom blocks have either been swept away or have had their roofs ripped off in a recent rain disaster, and, has not rehabilitated yet.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has however been slow in response to the clarion call of the authorities.
In Sagnarigu district for instance, 28 school buildings have so far been destroyed, while two basic schools in Chereponi have been severely hit.
The authorities need over GHc500, 000.00 to rehabilitate or rebuild the structures to enable the pupils return to class in the next academic season.
Speaking to the DAILY HERITAGE in an interview, the District Chief Executuve for Chereponi, Hajia Mary Nakobu, said it disheartening that any time it rains, teachers and pupils abandon classes to seek refuge in their homes.
According to her, for the past two weeks since windstorms ripped off the roofing sheets of the Naweku D/A primary and another neighbouring school in the district, effective teaching have come to a standstill.
�You can see that they have all packed into two classrooms which do not augur well for effective teaching and learning,� she lamented.
She said her fears are that, the children would take advantage of the situation and join their parents in farming.
�The destruction of the school will only increase the level of truancy among the children. Most of them would take advantage of the closure of the school to assist people in farming to make money,� she grieved.
Hajia Nakobu appealed to the NADMO and non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the schools that have had their roofs ripped off or they would not be able to report to class when school reopens.
�Makeshift tents could be provided to act as temporary classrooms to enable the school authorities to conduct effective classes,� she added.
She appealed for the planting of more trees around the school and communities to serve as wind breaks and prevent future disasters.
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