By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Kono School for the Blind, an institution dedicated to educating and supporting visually impaired students, is grappling with severe hardships that are compromising the quality of education and care provided to its students. These challenges include food shortages, inadequate facilities, lack of parental support, and a critical shortage of essential learning materials.
Food Crisis Threatens Well-being
One of the most urgent issues faced by the school is the ongoing food crisis, which leaves students malnourished and struggling to focus on their studies. Peter Ngaujah, a student at the school, explained that the lack of sufficient financial resources prevents the institution from providing adequate meals. “This affects both our physical and mental well-being, making it harder for us to learn and develop,” Ngaujah stated.
Inadequate Facilities Add to Hardships
The lack of proper infrastructure is another pressing concern. Students are often forced to share hard, uncomfortable iron beds due to a shortage of proper bedding. “We struggle to get quality rest, which affects our concentration in class,” Ngaujah added, highlighting the urgent need for mattresses, blankets, and other basic amenities.
Lack of Educational Materials
A shortage of specialized learning materials, such as Braille books, writing sheets, and typewriters, further hinders the academic progress of the visually impaired students. Marian Fayia, a 16-year-old born blind, stressed that “disability is not inability.” She called for the provision of essential tools, including computers and Braille materials, to enable students like her to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society.
Growing Student Population Overwhelms Resources
According to Deputy Headmaster Jacob Komba Lebbie, the number of visually impaired students has grown to 61, exceeding the school’s capacity. Many students travel from districts such as Kailahun and Kenema, placing further strain on the already limited resources. Lebbie also noted that traditional treatments for eye infections, often used due to financial constraints, are contributing to blindness in the region.
Appeals for Urgent Intervention
Despite the dedication of the school’s staff, insufficient funding and limited support from local and national authorities have left the school struggling to provide for its students. Teachers and caregivers express frustration at the lack of resources needed to create a supportive learning environment.
The students at the Kono School for the Blind are calling for immediate intervention from the government and humanitarian organizations. Adequate food, proper bedding, and specialized educational tools are urgently needed to ensure that these children receive the quality education they deserve. As individuals already facing the challenges of visual impairment, they should not have to endure additional hardships caused by neglect and lack of support.
The plight of these students highlights the need for collective action to address the challenges facing vulnerable communities and ensure that no one is left behind.