By Kafui Dey
Alarmingly, there have been 11 reported deaths in secondary schools from 2021 to the present, with nine attributed to medical negligence. This shocking statistic underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance and action from parents regarding the safety of their children in boarding schools.
Recent discussions on #GTVBreakfast, hosted by Thelma Tackie, spotlighted these grave concerns through insights from Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, and Divine Kpe, Senior Programme Officer at Africa Edu Watch. Both experts highlighted the crucial role parents must play in ensuring their children’s safety and well-being.
The Parental Role in Ensuring Safety
“Parents must have a keen interest in what goes on in school, especially boarding schools,” asserted Bright Appiah. His statement stresses the necessity for parents to engage actively with school policies, health protocols, and daily operations. This proactive approach goes beyond periodic visits, demanding a thorough understanding of how schools manage student welfare.
Informed Choices and Vigilance
Parents are advised to conduct detailed research on prospective schools. “One of the key things you have to look out for as a parent is how safe the school is for your child,” Appiah noted. This includes visiting schools, inspecting facilities, and reviewing emergency protocols.
Appiah further emphasised the need for schools to be transparent with parents about their facilities. “Schools must walk parents through the facilities they have so parents are aware of the situation in the school,” he added. Awareness of the state of sick bays, medical staff availability, and emergency procedures can greatly impact student safety.
Active Engagement and Advocacy
Parents should be prepared to ask difficult questions and demand transparency from school authorities. “Policies should be geared towards the welfare of children and not just to protect the school’s image,” Appiah emphasized. Advocating for comprehensive health policies and monitoring their implementation are essential for holding schools accountable.
Divine Kpe supported this by urging parents to ensure schools are informed of any pre-existing medical conditions. “Parents should present medical records of their wards to school authorities,” he advised. This helps schools provide the necessary care and prevents emergencies from escalating.
Support and Resources
The necessity of proper resources in schools is another critical point raised. Kpe suggested that parent-teacher associations and alumni should contribute resources such as ambulances. “Old students and parent-teacher associations have to resource schools with ambulances,” he said. Adequate medical facilities and equipment are crucial to managing health issues effectively.
Building a Safe School Environment
Creating a safe school environment is a collective responsibility. While school authorities, teachers, and staff must be held accountable, parents also play a vital role. By remaining informed and engaged, parents can significantly enhance their children’s safety in boarding schools.
Tragic Realities and the Need for Reform
The alarming statistics revealed by Appiah highlight an urgent need for systemic reforms. “From 2021 to date, we have recorded 11 deaths in our secondary schools, with nine of these deaths resulting from medical negligence,” he stated. This data calls for increased vigilance and systemic changes to prevent further tragedies.
Looking Ahead
Organizations like Child Rights International and Africa Edu Watch are working to improve safety standards in boarding schools. Parents can support these efforts by staying informed, participating in advocacy, and collaborating with school authorities.
The ongoing dialogue about the safety of boarding schools in Ghana reveals that while systemic changes are necessary, the active involvement of parents is crucial to safeguarding students’ lives and health. For ongoing updates and further information on how to get involved, visit gbcghanaonline.com.
Watch interview here:
