New term begins despite problems

Pupils attending the La Pastora Government Primary School in Santa Cruz were in danger of returning to a smelly and shabby school compound tomorrow when the new term begins. In an effort to improve conditions for the children, parents and friends were yesterday busy trying to fix broken toilets and taps and clean up the school surroundings at School Road, La Pastora Land Settlement so that classes can resume. President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Angela Ojoe said the school will be reopened despite numerous problems. She said the Education Facilties Company Limited gave assurances that a scope of works would be carried out over the July/August vacation but nothing was done. Ojoe said the ceiling is old and moldy, the ceiling fans are broken and ready to fall, benches are termite-ridden, the iron railings rusty, toilets in a state of disrepair, and the stench from the sewer is unbearable. Ojoe called on Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh to visit the school.

 

 

“Come here and see what’s happening because we can’t come and protest by the ministry,” she said.  Ojoe said in January pupils were forced to stay at home because of a sewer problem. “We lost two weeks in January because of that problem because it was really stink,” she said. “Nearby neighbours also complained about the smell...the security guards at the school found it difficult to stay on the compound,” Ojoe added. Since last Monday several parents have been cleaning, painting and replacing broken doors. She said the PTA and the school used close to $10,000 to buy materials to repair and clean up the school.  “We cannot keep our children at home all the time,” Ojoe said. “This is a government school and we get no help. We have to find a way to fix our school.” The PTA will meet on September 15 to discuss a way forward for the school which is more than 100 years old.