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| A teacher conducts his lesson out in the open at Lake Bogoria Girls Secondary School in Baringo on January 25, 2019. The school has been overwhelmed by the huge number of students who have reported to Form One. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP |
A school overwhelmed by the huge number of new learners fleeing bandits and cattle rustlers has asked for support from the government and well-wishers.
Lake Bogoria Girls Secondary School has also been identified as a centre for children fleeing female circumcision and early marriages.
The school, which has a capacity of 200 students, now has 450.
Principal Jean Ngaywa said the school has admitted more than 200 Form Ones instead of 80.
“Some new students are using the dining hall as their dormitory. The situation was compounded by the 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school policy. We cannot turn away students,” Ms Ngaywa told journalists.
MORE EXPECTED
The headteacher added that the number of Form Ones could still rise since many parents have requested for time to look for fees and other requirements.
Ms Ngaywa said students now take their meals from outside the dining halls.
“The hall was not designed for sleeping. Our girls are grappling with many challenges, including overcrowding. The heat outside is unbearable as they take their meals,” she said.
INSECURITY
Many students sought refuge at the school due to insecurity back home.
The principal said a majority of them come from poor backgrounds and are yet to pay fees.
“We have no option but to admit some of those who cannot pay. Their parents lost their animals to rustlers,” Ms Ngaywa said.
When the Nation team arrived at the institution on Friday, some girls were in their primary school uniform.
SHARING DESKS
A classroom meant for 45 students now accommodates about 100, with some sharing desks and chairs.
“The classrooms are not enough. Some lessons are now taken under trees,” the principal said, adding that the school has only one laboratory.
The school has bought tents to be used as classrooms in the meantime.
Part of the bus park has also been converted to a classroom. “We appeal to well-wishers and the Ministry of Education to build more classrooms. We also need a library, laboratories, teachers’ quarters and other facilities like furniture,” the principal added.
She asked area MP Charles Kamuren to help the school through the CDF.
Ms Ngaywa said her school faces an acute teacher shortage.