By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Diegeh, a remote community in Kenema District, Sierra Leone, is home to a struggling primary school that lacks the basic facilities necessary for quality education. The school, constructed by ex-combatants who graduated from the ARC/DDR Skills Training Program, serves children from surrounding villages, many of whom walk long distances to receive an education. Despite their enthusiasm, both teachers and pupils face numerous challenges, including poor infrastructure, a shortage of learning materials, and inadequate furniture.
Headmaster Ibrahim S. Daramy expressed deep concern over the poor state of the school, particularly the structural issues that hinder effective learning. “During the rainy season, lessons are often disrupted because water leaks into the classrooms. The children have to squeeze together in dry spots, making learning extremely uncomfortable,” he explained.
Apart from structural problems, Daramy highlighted the lack of essential school materials, such as textbooks, exercise books, and writing tools. “We sometimes have to improvise by sharing books among several pupils, which slows down their learning process. Sometimes, we even convert timber into slates just so they have something to write on. Many of them come to school without notebooks or pencils because their parents cannot afford them,” he added.
Daramy also raised concerns about the lack of proper furniture, forcing students to sit on the bare floor or use makeshift benches. “A proper learning environment requires proper seating, but we simply do not have enough desks and chairs to accommodate all the pupils,” he lamented.
In addition to infrastructure challenges, the school lacks a reliable water supply and proper sanitation facilities, posing serious health risks to both students and teachers. “We do not have a well or borehole nearby, and pupils have to walk long distances just to fetch water. The toilet facilities are also in a deplorable state, which affects hygiene and attendance, especially for girls,” Daramy stated.
The teachers, students, and parents of Diegeh Primary School are calling on the government, non-governmental organizations, and well-meaning individuals to come to their aid. “If these children are given a chance to learn in a better environment, they will have brighter futures. We are appealing for support in any form—be it learning materials, furniture, infrastructure, or even teacher incentives,” Daramy pleaded.
Despite these challenges, 10-year-old Mariatu Koroma remains committed to her education. “I love coming to school, but sometimes it is hard. When it rains, the roof leaks, and we have to move around to avoid getting wet. Some days, I have to sit on the floor because there are no benches,” she said.
Koroma, who dreams of becoming a nurse, hopes for better learning conditions. “I want to be a nurse when I grow up, so I keep coming to school even when it’s hard. But we need more books and chairs so we can learn better,” she added.
Local parent Fatmata Sesay also voiced her concerns about the poor learning conditions and their impact on her child’s education. “We send our children to school hoping they will have a better future, but they are struggling. Some days, my son comes home complaining that he couldn’t write because there were not enough pencils,” she shared.
Sesay urged the government and humanitarian organizations to support the school so that children in the community can receive a better education. “Our children deserve a good school with books, desks, and clean water. We are pleading for help,” she said.
The plight of Diegeh Primary School serves as a reminder that more needs to be done to ensure every child in Sierra Leone has access to quality education.