Abuakwa (Ash), Nov 10, GNA - Teachers and pupils of Abuakwa Junior Secondary School face the threat of an epidemic if the huge refuse dump behind the school block is not removed immediately. Teaching and learning has also virtually become impossible as a result of the offensive odour that emits from the refuse dump. These were among some grievances expressed by the teachers at a day's workshop on reactivation of School Management Committees (SMCs) for community leaders from Abuakwa, Asenemaso, Atwima-Agogo and Bokankye organised by the Atwima-Nwabiagya District Education Directorate at Abuakwa.

Nana Akosa Brempong, chief of Abuakwa, said the laudable policies and programmes initiated by the government to improve education delivery would not achieve results if the communities failed to actively participate in education-related programmes. He said apathy and some people's little value for education are major setbacks to the provision of quality education to all school-going age children.

Nana Akosa Brempong asked the SMCs to initiate programmes that would improve education delivery in their communities and not solely depend on the government and the district assemblies. Mr Richard Owusu-Agyemang, the Community Participation Co-ordinator, cautioned the SMC members against the tendency of using the committee to engage in politics, chieftaincy and ethnic disputes. He also reiterated his call on them not to encroach on the authority of the school heads and the teachers. Mr Owusu-Agyemang advised them to provide adequate resources and incentives that would motivate the teachers to improve teaching and learning.