More than 200 pupils from Sukuk primary school in Pokot South Sub County have been forced to learn in the open after their five classrooms roof were blown off by strong winds.
When the informer visited the school, pupils were learning under trees seated on bricks and stones as they bear the hot sun.
The learners seemed not to be concentrating because of the strong winds which could blow their books and the scorching sun which
reflected directly on their books.
According to the school head teacher Mr Raymond Kishaunet said some pupils were in class when the strong winds destroyed the roof.
“The books and black boards were also destroyed, luckily no pupil was hurt because they ran for their safety,” said Kishaunet.
He added that for two weeks the children have been learning in the open and urged the government to quickly respond and construct new
permanent classrooms for the pupils since the classrooms were mud walled.
permanent classrooms for the pupils since the classrooms were mud walled.
He added that the school has only four teachers hence affecting children performance.
“In Last yeas KCPE exams the school recorded a mean score of 289, the government should consider employing more teachers” said Kishaunet.
West Pokot leaders who also visited the school said the county had been marginalized for so many years that is why many schools infrastructure were poor.
West Pokot leaders who also visited the school said the county had been marginalized for so many years that is why many schools infrastructure were poor.
Civil Aviatioan Authority Board Chairman Samuel Poghisio blamed both the national and county government for failing to improveinfrastructure in schools as many pupils are forced to learn in the
open because of lack of classrooms.
open because of lack of classrooms.
He urged locals to elect leaders who mind their tribulations and are after raising the education standards of their children.
Senator John Lonangapuo added that the pastoral communities are faced with a lot of challenges due to marginalization hence advised them to elect leaders who are aware of their problems.
Lonyangapuo said the classrooms were destroyed by the stormy winds as a result of drought and urged well wishers to assist in building the school.
“If you have nails, iron sheets or desks just lend a hand , there are other schools which have also been destroyed by the winds in Lomut ward. Pastoralists communities need food, water and pasture because of drought” he said
