Title: School safety in Togo: A tragedy highlights the urgency of rehabilitating school infrastructure
Introduction :
Education is a fundamental right for all children, but unfortunately, in many developing countries, school infrastructure is often dilapidated and unsafe. The recent tragedy that occurred at the N’Gobo public primary school in Togo is a tragic reminder of the urgency of rehabilitating these dilapidated school infrastructures. In this article, we will explore the circumstances of the classroom wall collapse, the tragic consequences that resulted, and what steps can be taken to keep children safe at school.
An avoidable tragedy:
On Wednesday September 27, after the start of the school year for a few days, a wall of a classroom at the N’Gobo public primary school collapsed, leading to the death of two students aged six and seven. years. The teacher who was nearby was injured and is currently in hospital. The collapse of the wall caused a deep stir in the locality, raising questions about the safety of school infrastructure.
Outdated and insufficient infrastructure:
This tragedy highlights the recurring problem of dilapidated school infrastructure in Togo. Many schools are still built from clay and dried straw, especially in rural and isolated areas of the country. Faced with this reality, the Minister of Education has also ordered the temporary closure of a high school in Lomé, the capital, for reasons of child safety. It is obvious that it is urgent to think about the rehabilitation or construction of secure classrooms.
Rehabilitation and construction:
The renovation of school infrastructure is a major issue to guarantee the safety of students. It is essential to invest in solid buildings adapted to the needs of schools. The Togolese government should pay particular attention to the most remote regions of the country and put in place a plan to rehabilitate dilapidated school infrastructure. This would provide children with a safe learning environment conducive to their development.
Awareness and mobilization:
Beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, it is also important to raise community awareness of the importance of safety in schools. Awareness and mobilization campaigns could be organized to inform parents and local populations about the risks linked to defective school infrastructure and to encourage them to get involved in rehabilitation efforts.
Conclusion :
The tragedy that occurred at the N’Gobo public primary school highlights the urgent need to rehabilitate dilapidated school infrastructure in Togo. Children’s safety at school should not be neglected. It is imperative that the Togolese authorities take concrete measures to guarantee solid and secure school buildings. Investing in education means investing in the future of the country and in the safety of children.