by Eric Haurupma – EM TV, Port Moresby
Ted Diro Primary School in the nation’s capital is experiencing shortages in classroom facilities and teachers.
Head teacher Hane Charlie revealed that students have been using makeshift tents and libraries as classrooms. Ted Diro Primary School is experiencing limited classroom facilities and a teacher shortage with the increasing number of student intakes this year.
Mrs Charlie said a shortage of teachers is also affecting students’ learning after its smooth start into the 2015 academic year.
“The school has enrolled up to 2,000 students from lower to upper primary level. Students overcrowding in the school is demanding more teachers and classroom facilities.”
As a result, the school administration has had to find temporary venues for the students. Tents have been erected to accommodate two grade three classes. Classes are usually disrupted when it rains.
Alternatively, three third grade classes have been using the library, posing a difficult situation for students, because the environment is not conducive for study purposes. A blocked sewerage system is also posing a health risks for students.
The chance of contracting contagious diseases is high, which is unfortunate for the level eight school that has achieved positive academic results over the years.
The school administration is now pleading to local MPs and concerned authorities to assist in funding for the erection of new classrooms.
Eric Haurupma is a UPNG Journalism student.
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