The overflow of the River Oti has brought education in the Kucha Electoral Area of the Saboba District of the Northern Region to a standstill, forcing fisherfolk to convert an abandoned school building into a workshop for mending nets.For three months, students from eight communities-Kucha, Butuin Upper, Butuin Lower, Moagbar, Kunjib, Kacheen, Kibonboni, and Lomok-have had no access to teachers, disrupting their education and leaving many to either accompany their parents to farms or wander the community aimlessly.The absence of outboard motors, which could provide teachers with a safe means to cross the river from the district capital, Saboba, has only worsened the situation.
Community members recall a tragic incident three years ago, when a canoe capsized, resulting in the deaths of nine students.
This tragedy has left lasting scars on the community and has led to calls for life jackets and safer modes of transportation.Batuu Barnabas, a Form Two student, told Graphic Online that the prolonged absence of teachers has severely impacted students.
He shared how many of his peers are turning to farming or other unproductive activities rather than attending school, as they feel teachers won't be there to teach them even if they show up."As we speak, it's been three months without teachers, and we're supposed to write our end-of-term exams-and even the B.E.C.E.-but we're falling behind.