The Opposition APNU+AFC, yesterday, called on the Ministry of Education to consider renting buildings to address the issue of overcrowding of schools noting that the current housing of students in tents violates the rights of children to receive an education in a comfortable setting.
On Monday, following the reopening of schools for new Grade Seven students, reports and photos of heavy overcrowding in some schools in Regions Three and Four began to surface online. That sparked criticisms from both leaders and the public resulting in the Ministry being forced to explain the situation.
The Ministry said that two schools opted for the utilisation of tents that have adequate lighting, ventilation and air conditioning to house students. The decision was reportedly made by both the teachers and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) bodies at the schools. Yesterday, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton said that housing students in tents constitute a violation of their rights. He accused the Ministry of Education of not being prepared for the influx of students.