GBARNGA, Bong County – More than a hundred students enrolled at the government-run Dorothy Cooper School have been out of school for nearly two months following a violent rainstorm that ripped through the facility, destroying most of its classrooms.
The storm, which struck on January 24, 2025, de-roofed several buildings and caused extensive damage to ceilings and walls, forcing school administrators to suspend classes indefinitely for most students.
Speaking to reporters recently, Principal Steve Ngonpein described the situation as dire and disheartening.
“We had no option but to send the students home,” Ngonpein said. “They are not happy, and their parents have been engaging us, but we can’t keep them under such a deplorable roof.”
Currently, only 6th and 9th-grade students are attending classes, as they prepare for upcoming national exams. The rest, however, have been left without any form of academic engagement.
Ngonpein disclosed that the school was already in a poor state even before the storm, with deteriorating zinc roofing and structural weaknesses due to years without renovation. The storm only worsened the situation.
Officials from the Ministry of Education reportedly visited the campus last month and promised to support rehabilitation efforts, including the construction of an annex to reduce overcrowding. However, no visible progress has been made since the visit.
“The situation has only gotten worse,” Ngonpein lamented. “The recent rains have made things even more difficult for us. We are frustrated.”
In a passionate appeal, the principal called on Bong County authorities to intervene by providing building materials and financial support. He emphasized the school’s longstanding contribution to the county’s educational development despite minimal support from local government.
“This institution has done a lot for Bong County,” he said. “We hope the government and our county leadership will step in with meaningful help.”
As the school community awaits intervention, hopes are high that urgent action will be taken to restore full academic activities and prevent further disruption to the students’ education.
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