Access to a library helps students in so many ways. In terms of research, vocabulary building, learning to read, to solve problems on their own such as doing assignments using the library books.
Unfortunately, some schools lack well equipped libraries which make students reluctant to go to the library to learn.
The Kumbungu D/A Junior High School (JHS) block “A” is not an exception and according to the head teacher of the school, Issahaku Alidu Baako, the pupils sometimes feel reluctant to go to the library to study because it is not well equipped.
“I don’t blame them because comparing the schools in the cities libraries to our own, it is really a pity.” He added that, “some NGOS, an American Peace Corps volunteers promised to help build a well-equipped library for the school but unfortunately, COVID-19 spoiled the plan.”
The Kumbungu D/A JHS’s library prefect, Zakaria Humul Kusum, also told Community Journalist, Ibrahim Adisa that the situation is so pathetic with the school’s library serving as the ICT laboratory.
“Pupils sometimes feel discouraged to go to the library to learn for the notion that other students will be using the space for ICT practical which might distract their learning. Some of us rely on the school library books for personal studies because our parents cannot afford to purchase books for us.”
General prefect of the School, Mohammed Abdul Walie for his part added that the students who rely solely on the library books for personal studies lagged behind because it is not all the books that are available in the library.
He wants the library to be separated from the ICT laboratory to enhance the learning process in the two areas.
The Headteacher, Mr. Alidu Baako on behalf of his pupils, appealed for support from the government, NGOs, individuals and private entities to come to their aid by providing them a well-equipped library.
Story By: IBRAHIM ADISAH, Community Journalist, Kumbungu
