Hours after a protest by students and teachers erupted at the Patentia Secondary School on Thursday, tensions have eased as classes are expected to resume next week. The protest was held to voice concerns over the deplorable state of the school, which has been operating under bat infested conditions for several months now.
On a visit to the area on Friday, Guyana Times was informed that a suspension of classes continued. Further inquiries revealed that later on Thursday, an Education
Students at the Patentia Secondary School protesting on Thursday
Ministry official visited the institution and met with the school’s administration where it was determined that classes will resume on Monday. However, students at the school will attend classes under a shift system until the Education Ministry rectifies the situation.
Early Thursday morning, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) padlocked the gates of the school and a protest followed, with many students complaining about the unsanitary environment under which they were receiving their education.
“We need a proper environment,” one parent had stated, while another voiced concerns over the deplorable state of the washrooms.
“The toilet don’t flush, it don’t work, it always dirty,” a young man remarked.
Guyana Times was told of a myriad of other issues plaguing the institution, including stagnant water under the wooden section of the school, over flowing garbage and a lack of updated textbooks; these all hamper the delivery of education. According to reports, the Education Ministry was informed of the bat situation over a year ago and the roof was torn down, but the bats returned. This newspaper was also told that Grade Nine students were especially affected by the conditions and the stench.
Additionally, work was done by the Education Ministry to remove termites, but this situation has not improved as the insects have returned.
One parent, who is familiar with the school, informed this publication that the bat waste has affected the students, many of whom have suffered from skin rashes and asthma like conditions, which have prevented them from attending classes.
