KsTS students demand urgent action to address furniture shortage

In a bold and determined move, the students of Kumasi Senior High Technical School (KSTS), situated in Patase within the Ashanti region, have raised their voices to demand immediate attention to the dire shortage of furniture and whiteboards that has plagued their learning environment.

These dedicated young scholars have issued a two-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Education to rectify these pressing issues; otherwise, they threaten to escalate their protest in the days to come.

The genesis of this ultimatum stems from the intervention of the Regional Education Directorate on October 4th, 2023, which resulted in the suspension of the students’ initial plans to demonstrate on October 5th, 2023. The KSTS student body, numbering over 4,000 strong, remains resolute in their determination to see real change in their educational facilities.

According to the students who spoke candidly with StarrFM an Accra based radio station, their classrooms and technical drawing areas are severely lacking in basic infrastructure. It is alarming to discover that a classroom with a capacity for at least 50 students often only accommodates 30 pieces of furniture. This deficiency significantly hampers the quality of teaching and learning activities on campus.

Some students have been compelled to stand for hours each day during their classes, while others resort to sitting on the floor to engage in technical drawing activities instead of being afforded the dignity of sitting in chairs. It is indeed disheartening to hear that KSTS, a prestigious secondary Technical school, cannot provide students with essential tools for their education, such as proper tables and chairs.

Moreover, the challenging living conditions persist in the students’ dormitories. Numerous students reported having to sleep on the floor due to the absence of beds in their respective dormitories. This lamentable situation has led to an excessive heat issue, which, in turn, has resulted in skin rashes and discomfort among the students.

The students’ grievances extend to their daily sustenance, as they face difficulties in obtaining adequate meals. Some students revealed that they are sometimes required to purchase their own sugar for breakfast and gari for lunch. This not only puts added financial strain on the students but also raises concerns about the nutritional adequacy of their diets. Young female students, in particular, emphasized the impact of these conditions on their health, as proper nutrition is essential for maintaining their energy and hemoglobin levels during menstruation.

One male student spoke passionately about their initial intention to stage a protest on October 5th, 2023. However, the visit of the Regional Education Director and his entourage provided a glimmer of hope, as they assured the students that their concerns would be addressed, albeit without specifying a timeline. In light of this, the students have decided to offer a two-week grace period, during which they expect the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to alleviate their grievances. Should this grace period pass without satisfactory action, the students are fully prepared to stage a significant demonstration, asserting that they have the backing of students from KTI and OSECTECH. This declaration serves as a solemn warning to those in authority who may underestimate the resolve of these technical students.

Despite these pressing concerns, the school’s management has chosen not to comment on the matter, explaining that the students’ grievances have been formally conveyed to the Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service for assistance.

In conclusion, the KSTS students’ demand for better educational facilities and improved living conditions is a clarion call for the responsible authorities to take immediate action. Education is the bedrock of any nation’s development, and it is imperative that these students receive the support and infrastructure they need to excel. The clock is ticking, and the students are watching closely to see whether their ultimatum will lead to the necessary changes they so ardently seek.

Source: Today.com.gh