RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Hearing that Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly was touring south schools, parents of students attending St Dominics RC Schools staged a protest outside the Penal community centre where their children have been attending classes for the past five years
Parent Anthonius George said it's been five years since 200 plus students have been attending classes at the Penal Community Centre.
He said when the wall of their school collapsed in 2017, they were promised a new school but construction never started.
"Our children are suffering. They cannot stay in that community centre for much longer. They have to line up to use the washroom. The Infants are in the parish hall, 50 of them using one toilet," George said.
Another parent Sharon Baptiste said because of the cramped conditions the children are sometimes kept outside.
"Every other day the school has to dismiss because of water shortages. The community centre has poor lighting and the AC not working," she said.
Grandparent Vallentine Baptiste said if the conditions are not improved, they will take their protests to the Penal Junction and later to the office of the Education ministry.
Parent Valeen Smart said despite the uncomfortable conditions, the school still managed to place in the top five of the Secondary Entrance Assessment examination last year.
She said this was because of the commitment of the teachers and staff.
When Guardian Media visited the school, the grounds were overgrown and the building unkempt.
Minister Gadsby- Dolly who spoke to the media during her tour, said she will investigate and then give an update. Guardian Media will update this story.