Primary three pupils at the Gushegu M/A Primary School are facing significant challenges as they are crammed into a relatively small classroom, with inadequate furniture and ventilation. A recent media visit to the school shed light on the dire situation facing these 161 pupils.
The classroom, designed for a much smaller class size, lacks sufficient seating, forcing four or more pupils to share a desk, while others sit on the bare floor. Desks are arranged closely together, hindering free movement and creating a crowded, unventilated environment. Some pupils are even forced to sit uncomfortably close to the blackboard, leaving little space for entry.
This overcrowding starkly contrasts with the Ghana Education Service's recommended standard class size of 35 pupils per class. The adverse effects of such overcrowding are evident, with pupils seen sweating during lessons due to the hot weather.
Mr. Abdul Razak Abdulai, the Primary Three Class Teacher, expressed frustration at handling such a large class, wishing for a lower number to ease stress on both himself and the children. He highlighted the inadequate furniture situation and appealed for urgent intervention to provide more structures and furniture for the school.
The impact of this congestion on pupils' learning abilities was further explored with Mr. Peter Amadu Mintir, a Clinical Psychologist at the Total Life Enhancement Centre. He explained that overcrowding in an educational environment could lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness among pupils. Concentration levels may decrease, and frustration may heighten, impairing learning outcomes.
Furthermore, Mr. Mintir emphasized that the ability of teachers to identify and address individual learning needs may be compromised in such overcrowded classrooms. Reduced individualized attention could hinder information retention and impede optimal learning outcomes.
The situation at Gushegu M/A Primary School underscores the urgent need for intervention to address overcrowding and improve learning conditions. Providing adequate infrastructure and resources is essential to ensure that pupils have a conducive environment for learning and can reach their full potential.
