Flooding Challenges Students Returning to School
Published Wed, Sep 25, 2024
Written by Dana Kaltenberger
Preparing for the start of every school year involves a variety of activities, including reviewing curriculum, preparing classrooms, registering and enrolling students, distributing uniforms and school supplies, and providing orientation for students in their new classes. However, this year brought additional challenges in the form of students and teachers traveling to our schools.
Various modes of transportation are used in getting children to school. Most students walk or ride bicycles to school. Others cross rivers and must take a canoe back and forth each day. Some use public transportation in the form of motorbikes or cars. And in the case of our Senior Secondary students traveling from the northern areas of Sierra Leone to reach the boarding home, buses are generally used. Transportation is a critical activity to our EduNations schools which serve many rural communities without any other options for education.
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This year as a result of heavy rains, the majority of the roads leading to our schools were flooded. Because of this, there are roadblocks, washed out roads, and diversions. Our usual modes of transportation were no match for the water-covered roadways. Vehicles carrying students and staff were getting stuck for a day or two. Because most vehicles were not able to navigate the thick mud of the roads, students would have to transfer from one vehicle to another, and in some cases their luggage was lost along the way, which was very challenging. Students crossed flooded roads using canoes, and some trekked miles just to reach their schools. Other students needed to wade through waist-deep water carrying their belongings and younger students just to reach their schools. Immediate actions were taken to combat these challenges. Our EduNations staff was able to assist students in safely getting to school. We appreciate the response of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, one of our valued partners, who quickly provided disaster relief funds in order to address transportation needs, and provided additional funds to repair the road to Rokassa which serves 1,000 students, teachers, and auxiliary staff daily. Some staff members also gave money to students to purchase some of the most important items which they had lost. |
Although Sierra Leone has just experienced one of the heaviest downpour of rains in over a decade destroying cities, towns and villages across the country, we thank God that amidst all the challenges none of our schools were flooded. The majority of students are back in school with the exception of those that live beyond rivers. Those students will have to wait until the water level lowers in the next few weeks before they can start crossing the rivers safely.
Classes officially began on September 9th, and students were smiling with joy as they received their school supplies and uniforms scurrying into their new classrooms. We are looking forward to what God has in store for our teachers and students this year!
Augustine Amidu Bangura says, “ Every new school year brings its challenges for both instructors and learners, and we must face the challenges and achieve our set goals.“
Mustapha M S Conteh a 9th grade student from EduNations Hope Academy Junior Secondary School Rokassa says, “This year is a year to discover my potential and make new friends. I can’t wait to see what I’ll learn!”
Sonita Kamara, a 12th grade student in the Senior Secondary School Rokassa says, “ As I step into my final year, I am ready to embrace every challenge and opportunity. This is the time to go after my dreams, and prepare for the future!”
We are so appreciative to our donors and sponsors who have made it possible for all of these students to receive an education! You are making a huge difference in the lives of these boys and girls in Sierra Leone.