When Education Sits on the Floor a Call to Save Our Schools: Favor and Her Classmates Are Waiting

 Good morning, dear readers.

 Let’s have an honest conversation about something that touches the very foundation of our future, “education”.

 Have you ever walked into a school and wondered how the pupils manage to learn under such dire conditions? Well, that’s exactly what I experienced in some public schools I visited in Imo State recently.

Let me paint the picture for you. The classrooms have no windows or doors, leaving the pupils at the mercy of rain, dust, and even wandering animals. Inside, there are no desks or chairs.

 Imagine this children sitting on the cold, hard floor, trying to balance their exercise books on their knees as they copy notes or do their assignments.

When I visited Azaraegbelu Central School in Owerri North LGA, Imo State, I spoke with Favor, a bright-eyed girl in Primary 4, and her words struck a chord deep within me. When I asked how she and her classmates manage to study under such conditions, she smiled, a bittersweet smile and said;

"We are happy that we are even going to school. If it means sitting on the floor to read and write, we will do it until the government remembers us for good."

 Can you imagine that? At such a young age, these children already understand resilience. But should resilience be their daily reality when it comes to basic education?

Azaraegbelu Central School is not an isolated case. Across Imo State and indeed Nigeria, many public primary and secondary schools are in deplorable states. These institutions lack basic amenities like chairs, desks, proper roofing, and learning materials. Teachers, often overworked and underpaid, struggle to impart knowledge in an environment that stifles creativity and inspiration.

Education, they say, is the bedrock of any society. But how can we build a strong future when the foundation is crumbling?

The government, of course, has the primary responsibility for providing quality education. But most times, we see them not meeting up to the task. This is where we, as a community, come in.

The kings Eze), the king's cabinet (Onowu), the presidents-general (PGs), and local government chairmen all have a role to play. These are the leaders closest to the people, the ones who can mobilize resources and drive immediate change.

Imagine a scenario where these leaders come together, pool funds, and create a development plan for schools in their communities.

What if philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians joined the cause, donating chairs, desks, and books? What if every community adopted a school and worked collectively to improve its condition?

This is not just about Azaraegbelu Central School. It’s about every child in Nigeria who dreams of a better tomorrow but faces an uphill battle today. It’s about reclaiming the dignity of education and giving every child a fighting chance to succeed.

Can you donate resources, volunteer your time, or use your voice to advocate for change?

Can you challenge the government to prioritize education funding and ensure accountability?

Favour and her classmates are waiting. They’re waiting for us to show that we care, that their dreams matter, and that education doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Together, we can turn this story of despair into one of hope. Let’s act now, because every day we wait, another child sits on the floor, dreaming of a brighter future that only we can help them achieve.

Together, we can drive the change we want to see.