A disturbing situation has emerged at Chemu Senior High School, where the lack of adequate boarding facilities is forcing many female students to make the painful choice of staying with boyfriends to continue their education.
The school’s headmistress recently brought attention to this issue, explaining that the insufficient dormitory spaces have left many girls, especially those from rural areas, with no other option but to seek alternative living arrangements.
The headmistress expressed deep concern over the risks posed to the students’ safety and well-being. She highlighted that these girls, whose futures depend on their education, are vulnerable to situations that could derail their academic and personal development.
The issue stems from a serious shortage of space in the school’s dormitories, which has left many students unable to live on campus.
Without enough accommodation, students are forced to rely on other arrangements, some of which are unsafe and expose them to potential dangers.
With limited resources, the school is struggling to address the problem, but the headmistress has called for support from the government, alumni associations, and other organizations to help expand and improve the school’s facilities.
She emphasized that this is a matter of urgency, as the current situation undermines the effort to ensure that all students, particularly girls, have equal opportunities to pursue their education.
In addition, other education stakeholders at the event raised concerns about the broader implications of the crisis.
They warned that without immediate intervention, the students could face significant risks, such as teenage pregnancy, dropping out of school, or being subjected to exploitation. Parents have also been urged to play a more active role in ensuring the safety of their children while they study away from home.
To address the crisis, the school management is working on temporary measures to provide safer accommodation for the affected students.
However, the situation at Chemu SHS has sparked a wider conversation about the inadequate infrastructure in many schools across the country, highlighting the urgent need for investment in student accommodation.
The issue at Chemu SHS serves as a stark reminder that quality education requires not just qualified teachers and learning resources but also safe and supportive environments where students can thrive without fear of exploitation or harm.