Since it’s re-establishment in 2021, Erume Primary School in the remote mountainous areas of Tapini in Central Province has seen exponential growth in student enrolment beginning with 100 students and an additional enrolment of 100 students each year after that.
This growth spurt in student attendance, with just over 300 students enrolling for the academic year and more students expected to enroll, has prompted Head Teacher Casiano Amai to call out for teachers interested to take up teaching roles in the area.
Erume Primary School itself was founded in 1953 by the early Catholic missionary’s that arrived in Tapini, not only to spread the Gospel, but also to educate the locals.
Unfortunately, in 2009, due to its remoteness, teacher’s postings to the school lessened over time and thus was closed down.
It wasn’t until 12 years later in 2021 would the school be re-established by the Current Head Teacher.
Now, with 3 other teachers and himself, Amai is calling on all available teachers in the Central Province and the Provincial Education Division to understand their plight and hopefully post teachers to the area.
“This is the 3rd year since the school reopened. In the first year 136 students were taken in and since then the number has doubled over 3 years. Currently we have 315 enrolled already and we are expecting more to come. The Number is increasing every time we start to enrol.”
With the number of students increasing, Amai has said that the school has no choice but to expand, but with the limited resources at hand and lack of teachers along with learning material, this has become a fork in the road for the school.
Amai has made mention of the schools challenges, by sending letters to the Goilala District and the Provincial Education Division but so far, the response from both bodies has been a little unfavourable.
“They are still looking for teachers for us. Those who are probably left out.”
Amai says the main reason why he re-opened the school was for his people to have access to quality education in the area.
The need for teachers and teaching material is paramount and he is now trying his very best to ensure that his ambition comes to fruition.