By Mark DaCosta- In a dramatic plea for intervention, Azruddin Mohamed, the incoming Leader of the Opposition and head of the WIN party, has urged the Minister of Education, to make an immediate visit to BV Quamina Primary School amidst alarming health concerns for students.
Recent reports by Mohamed indicate a dire situation at this educational institution, which serves a mix of 360 mainstream and 94 special needs students. Four children are currently lying ill in the classroom, suffering from ailments believed to stem from the unsanitary conditions exacerbated by an overwhelming pigeon infestation.
Disturbingly, one child, only seven years old, has been hospitalised at the Enmore Regional Hospital after becoming unwell during school hours, deepening parental fears for their children’s safety. Mohamed emphasised the urgency of the matter, stating, “We are calling on Minister Parag to visit the BV Primary School immediately to have these issues addressed.”
The BV Quamina Primary School has been battling severe infestation issues for nearly ten years, with pigeon droppings and nesting materials compromising the hygiene of classrooms and conveying critical health risks. The presence of pigeon waste daily exposes both students and teachers to harmful bacteria and allergens, creating an unwelcoming and unsafe learning environment, as parents and staff have been left battling a crisis that refuses to abate. This longstanding issue has been reported to the Ministry of Education multiple times, yet little to no action has been taken. Mohamed voiced his frustration, highlighting that “the conditions remain unacceptable,” despite appeals for assistance being made over the years.
Further compounding the school’s challenges are the appalling washroom facilities. Educators often find themselves relying on the generosity of local parents, who open their homes for teachers to use their toilets, or taking the dignity-robbing step of going home to relieve themselves. This state of affairs is not only undignified but completely intolerable, revealing a broader neglect of educational institutions in the nation.
To exacerbate the situation, BV Primary is struggling with a disproportionate student-teacher ratio, particularly among its special needs students. With only 24 mainstream teachers and 18 special needs teachers available, the need for personalised attention and care is a chronic issue that remains unaddressed, forcing distressed parents to intervene and assist with cleaning the school. The staff, only three cleaners for such a large student population, are simply outnumbered and that leads to unmanageable hygiene standards.
In recent weeks, Mohamed and his team have been travelling across our country, highlighting the appalling conditions facing numerous educational institutions. They aim to shine a light on the neglect suffered by schools that have continually sought help from the Ministry of Education. The cries for help echo through the halls of many institutions where the government’s inaction has created an environment ripe with despair and uncertainty.
The voices of concerned parents and educators are now demanding accountability from those in positions of power, and it is evident that the current administration bears responsibility for the neglect and degradation of the educational system. The plight of BV Quamina Primary School illustrates a far larger issue of disregard for essential services in our nation, particularly in the sphere of education.
As the incoming Leader of the Opposition, Mohamed is championing a cause that resonates deeply with parents across our nation. There’s a growing sentiment that the Ministry, under the PPP, has failed to prioritise basic health and educational needs of children. The undelivered promises regarding investments in schools have led to a generation of children being compromised, as the inability to secure safe and healthy learning environments looms over many.
With the situation at BV Quamina Primary School becoming a focal point of public concern, the hope is that Minister Parag will heed the call of the opposition and take prompt action. Students’ futures are at stake, and immediate intervention is not just necessary, it is imperative. The Ministry can no longer afford to ignore the health and welfare of its students; the time for promises is over — the time for action is now, Mohamed has repeatedly said.
