Bunbon R/C Junior High School students in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region are experiencing significant obstacles in their ICT education because they lack computers and a designated ICT lab.
There are serious concerns about their readiness for a digital future due to the current situation.
Although the school has a large enrolment of 278 students and 13 teaching staff, not a single computer is available to aid in teaching and learning ICT.
Consequently, students are placed at a significant disadvantage compared to their counterparts in more well-equipped schools nationwide, as lessons solely consist of theoretical instruction.
According to Mr Yahaya Aminu, the Headmaster of Bunbon R/C JHS, the dearth of practical experience is diminishing the value of ICT instruction and detrimentally impacting students’ BECE results.
“Our students struggle to understand key ICT concepts, which makes it difficult for them to excel in exams and competitions,” he stated. “As a nation committed to digital learning and inclusive development, it is disheartening to see our children left behind simply because of a lack of basic resources.”
Apart from ICT, the school faces other obstacles. According to Alhassan Abu Safianu, the Assemblyman for the area, a significant lack of furniture is hindering the learning process.
According to him, students being stuffed into cramped classrooms, where three people have to squeeze onto one bench or take turns using chairs, disrupts lessons and creates an unfavourable learning atmosphere.
The Assemblyman also raised the alarm about the declining condition of the school building, noting its weakness and lack of safety. He pointed out that the structure is inadequate and outdated despite a student population of over 278. According to him, there are reports of classrooms housing up to 72 pupils, which far exceeds the maximum class size recommended by the Ghana Education Service of 45.
Mr Safianu appealed to the Yendi Municipal Assembly, non-governmental organisations, and philanthropic individuals to provide assistance to the school. He expressed his belief that with proper support, these children can be equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital world and enhance their academic achievements.
N-Yiigma Mulignan Carlos, the School Prefect, also spoke passionately, stating that Ghanaian children deserve a fair opportunity. He expressed their belief that having access to computers and suitable furniture would significantly improve their performance.
In its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on Goal 4, which aims to provide equal and quality education, Ghana faces a pressing issue highlighted by Bunbon R/C JHS. This calls for swift intervention to narrow the gap between access to technology and education.
