There is no arguing that a healthy, educated population is essential for national growth, and schools are a leading force in this area.
The right condition of schools should therefore continue to be of utmost importance to nations trying to break free from the chains of underdevelopment.
Unfortunately, there is much room for improvement in Ghana’s schools, a 65-year-old sovereign country that is still mired in the trap of underdevelopment. This is especially true of public schools.
It is still a major problem to find proper restrooms, urinals, and water facilities in many schools.
The unpleasant picturesque image of the majority of our schools is one of dilapidated architecture, logistical deficiencies, and overgrown surroundings.
Only two (2) of Ghana’s five (5) schools, according to data from UNICEF and the Ghana Statistical Service, have running water and toilets or pit latrines.
It’s interesting to note that the country has 18,530, 8,850, and 900 public elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, respectively.
Numerous public schools across the nation are ostensible without water and restroom facilities, including pit latrines.
Even those who do possess it are in poor physical and mental health.
A circumstance where students are forced to leave class because they are required to alternate using the facilities, which is detrimental to their academic success.
Strangely, some professors and students are compelled to use fee-based, commercial restrooms that are close by.
Given the foregoing, open defecation, a major cause of illnesses, is a widespread practice in many schools.
The addition of the Africa Schools Sanitation Foundation is welcome news given this background.
Therefore, it is essential that the populace participates in the process of development by rediscovering the spirit of cooperative work and mobilization for a common good.
He emphasized that creating a respectable learning atmosphere in schools, especially with regard to restroom and urinal facilities, is a positive move.
“This is so because the provision of the aforementioned will eradicate diseases from our schools to safeguard the health needs of students and teachers.”
Speaking out against the current state of sanitation in schools, Mr. Tutu disclosed that according to Water Aid study from 2013, filthy conditions in our schools are responsible for the deaths of an astounding 1.5 million schoolchildren in sub-Saharan Africa every year.
Therefore, he appealed to people, towns, and businesses to join forces with his group and adopt at least one school in each of their separate areas for a major facelift.
The foundation’s founder revealed that it has currently built and rebuilt restrooms in four schools around the nation thanks to the generosity of some people.
