An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory and a library project at the Zanlerigu Junior High School (JHS) in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region have been stalled for lack of funds.
The project, which started in 2009 with a GH¢10 contribution from pupils each term has been left to deteriorate. Parts of the building have begun falling off. The building was constructed beyond the window level.
The project is aimed at improving teaching and learning of ICT as a subject by equipping the pupils with practical knowledge to enable them to be well versed in the technologically driven world and serve as a reference source of books where pupils can learn.
The idea of the project, as initiated by the management of the school, is intended to bridge the gap between the theories and practices that exist in the school in the area of ICT and also serve as a platform that offers pupils an opportunity to learn on their own.
The Head teacher of the school, Cletus Abaa Assibi, indicated that ICT as a subject is practically oriented, and it is important that pupils are given practical knowledge on the subject to enable them to appreciate concepts expressed theoretically.
The Chairman of the Parents Association (PA) of the school, Anthony Dittoh, said the inability of parents to continue funding the project through the Development Levy Fee introduced by management of the school, which compelled pupils to pay in each term, led to the stalled project.
He explained that the project had little external support except for some bags of cement donated by NONGZOYA, a non-governmental organization based in Norway.
According to him, a letter was written to the Nabdam District Assembly for help but yielded no results, as the Assembly neither offered help nor responded to their letter.
The Nabdam District Chief Executive (DCE), Agnes Anamoo, said efforts were being made by the Assembly to complete the project, but the funds were not readily available.
“I will not say the project has been abandoned, but you know, everything has to do with funding, and I personally have it in mind to complete the project, so as and when the Assembly gets the funds, it will be completed,” She stated
“I actually don’t know the discussion that went on at the time it started, but when I came in as DCE in 2017, it was an idea we all supported and is a project we are mindful of completing when the funds are ready,” she added.
The school is appealing to the government and other non-governmental organizations to help in completing the project to facilitate teaching and learning.
Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Zanlerigu
