Lack of potable water affecting teaching and learning at Talawonaa basic school

Residents of Talawonaa in the Wa West District are urgently calling on the government and benevolent organizations to help restore access to potable water at the community’s basic school.

The outcry comes as the only borehole serving the school has broken down, leaving pupils without drinking water during school hours. As a result, thirsty children are forced to walk long distances back home to quench their thirst—and some never return to class afterward.

Speaking to Info Radio, Mr. Dooguo Tulo, a concerned parent, shared the frustrations of many families in the community.

“Some of the pupils, once they go home to drink, refuse to return to school. It’s discouraging learning,” he said.

The situation is particularly dire because the school serves four surrounding communities. For pupils traveling from the farthest areas, the lack of drinking water is a major deterrent. Mr. Tulo warned that if the issue persists, school attendance could continue to decline.

Adding to the community’s concerns, parents are also calling for the construction of a Kindergarten (KG) block closer to the Talawonaa community. They say the current school is too far for little children to travel to, causing many of them to stay at home.

“We are pleading with the government and any NGO that can help. We need water and a KG block for our children,” one mother appealed.

The residents say the lack of basic amenities like water and accessible early education is holding back the progress of children in Talawonaa and surrounding areas.