Bastion Foundation, Inc.

Bastion Foundation, Inc. to the Rescue: Urgent Need to Rebuild a Dilapidated and Uncared-for an Elementary and an unfinished but already deteriorating Secondary School in Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria

1. Introduction
The educational infrastructure in southeastern Nigeria, like in the rest of the country, faces significant challenges, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. The situation is exacerbated by the states’ takeover of schools since the end of the civil war in the area. Although some of the states in the region have returned some of the schools to their original owners, the churches, hard economic times have befallen even the churches and the impact is devastating for most schools. We hereby assess and evaluate the necessity to help rebuild an elementary and a secondary school in a community, Umunya, that have fallen into disrepair, aiming to highlight the critical areas needing intervention. This will serve as a model for helping to restore better quality of education in the region. The schools are:
The Central School, Umunya which was built in the late 50s and has literally remained uncared for even after the damages it experienced during the 1967/70 civil war
Anglican Girls Grammar School, built in the 1960s and destroyed during the same war. Efforts to restart the school have been trailed by poor funding leading to unfinished buildings that allow rain to percolate and abort learning processes.
Both schools were originally owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) which has shown severe stress in its efforts to rehabilitate the schools.
 
2. Current State of the Schools
Infrastructure: The school buildings are severely damaged with collapsing roofs, cracked walls, broken windows, and eroded foundations. Many classrooms are unsafe and uninhabitable.
Facilities: Basic amenities such as functional toilets, potable water, and sanitation systems are non-existent. The lack of electricity impedes the use of any modern teaching aids or technology.
Educational Resources: There is an acute shortage of textbooks, writing materials, desks, and chairs. Students often sit on the floor, and learning materials are outdated or insufficient.
Staffing: The schools are understaffed with a limited number of qualified teachers. The existing teachers are demotivated due to poor working conditions and inadequate compensation.
Student Enrollment and Attendance: The deteriorating state of the school discourages enrollment and regular attendance, with many parents opting to keep their children at home or sending them to distant schools with better facilities.
 
3. Impact on Students and Community
Academic Performance: The substandard learning environment contributes to poor academic performance and low literacy rates among students.
Health and Safety: The unsafe and unhygienic conditions pose significant health risks to students and staff, including the spread of diseases due to poor sanitation.
Community Development: The quality of education is directly linked to community development. The current state of the schools hinders social and economic growth in the area.
 
4. Identified Needs
Reconstruction and Renovation: There is an urgent need to reconstruct the dilapidated buildings and renovate existing structures to create a safe and conducive learning environment.
Provision of Basic Facilities: Essential facilities such as clean water, proper sanitation systems, and electricity need to be installed to ensure a healthy learning environment.
Supply of Educational Materials: The schools require adequate textbooks, writing materials, desks, and chairs to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Teacher Recruitment and Training: Recruitment of qualified teachers and provision of regular training programs are necessary to improve the quality of education.
Community Involvement: Engaging the local community in the rebuilding process is crucial for sustainability and fostering a sense of ownership.
 
5. Potential Benefits of Rebuilding
Enhanced Academic Outcomes: Improved infrastructure and resources will lead to better academic performance and higher literacy rates.
Health and Safety Improvements: Upgraded facilities will provide a safe and hygienic environment, reducing health risks.
Economic and Social Development: Quality education contributes to the overall economic and social development of the community by producing skilled and educated individuals.
Community Empowerment: Rebuilding the schools can empower the local community, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility towards maintaining the school.
 
6. Conclusion
Rebuilding the dilapidated primary and secondary schools in southeastern Nigeria is imperative. Addressing the current challenges will not only enhance the educational experience for students but also promote broader community development. It requires collaborative efforts from the government, non-governmental organizations, and the local community to achieve sustainable improvements.
 
Please visit more detailed description of the needs of both schools and assess how you can support Bastion’s efforts to rehabilitate the schools.

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