Classroom shortage hits crisis level in Salima

Shortage of classrooms  in Salima has reached crisis level as only five out of the 141 primary schools have adequate blocks.

Salima district education manager Chris Kumikundi said the situation has left over half of primary school pupils learning in makeshift classes or under trees.

He made the revelation on Thursday when the district council handed over cheques worth K67.8 million from the Education Sector Wide Approach Programme (EWSAP) to fund the construction of classroom blocks in seven primary schools.

The seven beneficiary schools are Kolakola, Chigolo, Nangowo, Mkanga, Mlesi, Chimbwira and Maganga.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Kolakola Primary School, Salima District Council chairperson Peter Kadammanja said the support was long overdue as the council is struggling to end the shortage of classrooms.

“It is affecting our efforts to end illiteracy, especially among girls as lack of infrastructure is used as an excuse of not going to school, a reason which at times is justifiable. We cannot achieve this alone. we also need the support of donors,” he said.

Salima district commissioner Rodney Simwaka said the council needs to find ways to garner resources to build more classes. n