By: Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Kambia District More than 200 students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were forced to make a hazardous boat crossing on Friday after their communities in Samu Chiefdom were left without access to a functional science laboratory.
The candidates traveled from Kassarie to Mambolo to sit their Chemistry practical, navigating the Great Scarcies River in overcrowded boats and rough weather. Parents, teachers, and community leaders say the journey exposed the students to unnecessary danger and highlighted a persistent gap in educational infrastructure.
Residents of Samu Chiefdom said the absence of a local laboratory center means students must repeatedly travel long distances during national exams. Many described the situation as unacceptable for pupils already contending with limited resources.
“No student should have to risk their life to complete a practical exam,” one parent said. “This is a basic facility that should be available in every district.”
Community leaders are urging the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Government of Sierra Leone to prioritize the construction and equipping of science laboratories in underserved areas. They argue that equitable access to safe, quality learning facilities is essential if students in remote parts of the country are to compete on equal footing.
The incident has renewed debate over educational equity in rural Sierra Leone, where infrastructure deficits continue to disrupt learning and exam participation. Stakeholders say targeted investment is needed to ensure students are not forced to choose between safety and their academic future.
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