Namiyala, a farming community in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region, has long struggled to access basic education. With a population of just over a thousand residents, children are required to walk about 2 kilometers to neighboring communities such as Bongbini to attend school. This situation has raised serious concerns among residents, who recount the dangers their children face on the way to school, including road accidents caused by motorists.
Mr. Mahamadu, a parent in the community, explained that their children often involve in motor accidents while traveling to and from school. He emphasized the importance of having a strong foundation through quality education, stating that the community needs a local school to help their children access good learning opportunities. Mothers in the community also shared that their children frequently fall sick from walking under the hot sun every day to attend school in Bongbini.
In response to these challenges, the Chief of Namiyala called on the government, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropists to support the community by building at least a three-unit classroom block. Fortunately, the East Mamprusi Municipality intervened and has begun constructing a three-unit classroom block through the GetFund project. The school is expected to be completed within 12 calendar months and will include toilet facilities, urinal and a borehole.
A visit by Radio Tamale to the community was met with excitement from residents. Children, who previously lamented that their books and learning materials were often destroyed by rain, expressed happiness that they would soon have their own basic school. The community is hopeful that this development will improve access to quality education for their children.
The Assemblyman for the Bongbini Electoral Area, Andani Iddi Haruna, praised the efforts of the assembly and urged the contractor to ensure the project’s quality. He also called on the contractor to engage a qualified person to drill the borehole, as there are concerns among community members that the current borehole may be dry.
As the community eagerly anticipates the completion of this project, children still walk several kilometers daily to access basic education. The new school promises to bring much-needed relief and opportunities to Namiyala’s children.