01 Mar 2017

Shortage of desks, chairs and tables at Chobe Junior Secondary School has compelled the school management to seek intervention from parents.

The school head, Mr Nelson Litiho said in an interview that the shortage of furniture, which also includes laboratory stalls, was a result of the current student explosion at the school.

“We decided to involve the community before taking the government route in view of the principle of self-reliance, which is one of the national pillars of the country.

Initially, some parents were reluctant, but they submitted after the PTA had taken them on a tour of the school for them to see what exactly the situation was like and what was needed.

“The initiative has since paid off as people and companies have started either pledging or contributing, among them Kubu Lodge, which has donated about P11 000, enough to buy 20 desks and 20 chairs,” said Mr Litiho.

Parents were also reminded to pay school fees and PTA funds well on time because such money helped in the maintenance of damaged properties.

The school had also decided to take some of the issues upon themselves to reduce dependency on the community and the government for intervention and thus cut costs.

“We are currently fixing some of the damaged properties ourselves for re-use with the help of the students and staff members, so far we have fixed up to 105, and we hope to finish at least 250 more.” pointed out Mr Litiho.

Mr Benny Phiri, who heads the maintenance team, said some of the damages were caused by students; as such, they had decided to paint and label the desks and chairs according to houses and classes to monitor and manage the raging vandalism.

“We also have introduced the break and pay policy to the parents which means whatever the child breaks the parent has to pay for it. The high number of students is not only felt on the shortage of desks, chairs and lab stalls, but it is also evident in the shortage of classes to the extent that outdoor teaching has been introduced," he said.

One of the teachers, Mr David Nkhwanana sais some of their classes were taken outside, which was also not reliable, especially during the rainy season.

The school, he added had decided therefore to turn some of the open spaces into some kind of classrooms through bricks and window frames owing to donations from local construction companies.

“We have also decided to refurbish one of the art rooms and turn it into a classroom, and so far we have fitted it with doors and windows,” said Mr Nkhwanana.

Even though the school seemed to have almost everything under control, they were still calling upon the community and the nation at large to continue helping them to create a good learning environment.

Former students were also commended for donating to the school. ENDS