By Draxon Maloya
Despite opening its doors in 2009, Kaligomba Primary School in the City of Mzuzu continues to struggle with inadequate facilities, affecting the learning experience of its more than 400 learners.
The school’s head teacher, Florida Msiska, expressed frustration over the shortage of classroom blocks, forcing learners to attend classes under mango trees, store rooms, and a church hall.
“We had no choice but to appeal to well-wishers for assistance, and fortunately, William Chikweta Kaweche, an active citizen, came forward to support the construction of a school block to alleviate the teaching and learning space,” said Msiska.
These makeshift facilities disrupt a conducive environment for teaching and learning, disturbing classes whenever it rains. Furthermore, the absence of desks affects the situation, highlighting the school’s dire need for infrastructure development.
The school management committee chairperson, John Mtayamo, criticized authorities for failing to disburse constituency development funds, which could have addressed the school’s infrastructure needs.
Mtayamo thanked William Chikweta Kaweche for funding the construction of a school block. “I would like to thank William Chikweta Kaweche for his generosity and active citizenship spirit in funding the school block construction project, which the community failed to support. May all his ambitions be fulfilled in God’s way.”
Kaweche, who is bankrolling the school’s classrooms development project, acknowledged the importance of creating a conducive learning environment. He expressed his commitment to supporting the school, citing his duty as a community member to ensure the well-being of local learners.
“It feels bad to see the teaching and learning process disrupted whenever it rains. As a community member from the area, I felt duty-bound to assist,” concluded Kaweche.
The situation at Kaligomba Primary School highlights the need for increased investment in education infrastructure, ensuring that learners have access to quality facilities that support their academic growth and development.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Kaligomba Primary School boasts an impressive academic record, achieving a 100% pass rate in the recent primary school leaving certificate exams.
