Benga’s UMA School Urgently Needs Major Structural Rehabilitation
Pupils, educators, and community leaders in Benga are raising an urgent alarm over the deteriorating state of the United Muslim Association (UMA) Primary School, calling for immediate intervention to rebuild its crumbling infrastructure.
Serving children from Benga and surrounding villages—including Kebawana, Soso, and Yonkador—the institution faces severe physical challenges that threaten both safety and learning. Mustapha Mansaray, the school's Head Master, warned that the current state of the facility compromises the safety, comfort, and general well-being of everyone on campus.
According to school leadership, critical areas require urgent structural repair. Key priorities include replacing damaged zinc roofing, stabilizing the primary building, fixing the water pump, and restoring sanitation facilities.
"The deteriorating condition makes it increasingly difficult for teachers to instruct effectively and for pupils to focus," Mansaray stated, pointing out that physical decay is directly impacting educational outcomes in the rural district.
Compounding the structural deficiencies is a critical staffing shortage. Mansaray revealed that he is currently the only pin-coded teacher on staff. He appealed directly to the Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission to deploy additional qualified educators to the school.
Community stakeholders have joined the call for action. Speaking to local media, Benga Town Speaker Aadu Gogra urged the national government, Pujehun District Council, development partners, and philanthropists to step in before conditions worsen further.
"Access to a safe, conducive learning environment is essential to delivering quality education, especially for children in rural communities," Gogra stressed.
Habibu Sheriff, Chairman of the Community Teachers Association (CTA) and a local parent, echoed these sentiments. Alongside other community leaders, Sheriff requested an immediate comprehensive assessment of the site to establish formal rehabilitation plans and secure funding.
Local residents remain hopeful that public visibility will push relevant authorities to prioritize the school, emphasizing that proper facilities will drastically improve educational access across the entire chiefdom.
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