Parents protest ‘deplorable’ state of Parfaite Harmonie School

A protest mounted by parents outside the Parfaite Harmonie Primary School this morning has resulted in the suspension of classes for the day. The protest which saw parents locking the gates was against what they termed the deplorable condition of the school.

According to one parent, the Ministry of Education had promised to repair the building and have it upgraded following a fire at the institution in March of this year however; nothing has been done to improve the facility.

Parents say they are also concerned with the overcrowded environment in which their children study. The school was built to accommodate 250 students, however in excess of 600 children currently attend the school.

Parents also alleged that the Head Teacher occupies a space on the corridor but is forced to sit with students when it rains.

Parents related that the school has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and an alleged that an alligator currently resides under the building.

Deputy Regional Education Officer Adepemo Peters, who was present during the protest, stated that a meeting is scheduled for 13:30 hours today to allow parents to voice their concerns.

In relation to the section of the building that was destroyed by fire, Peters said the Ministry cannot take any action until it receives the Fire Service’s report.

Parents have given their commitment to attend the meeting but assured that if they do not receive any satisfactory response from the Ministry to their pleas, they will lock the gates again tomorrow.