A neglected institution, the School of Craft and Domestic Centre in Aba, Abia State, has become a hub for criminal activities, prompting the Initiative for Grassroots Interventions and Development in Education (IGIDE) to voice its concerns. Mrs. Eunice Egbuna, the Executive Director of IGIDE, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to refurbish the premises and transform it into a conducive learning environment.
Egbuna revealed that the abandoned classrooms have been repurposed for unauthorized activities, including the storage of materials by furniture makers and the illicit conduct of criminals. Expressing apprehension over the safety of the area, she highlighted the potential risks posed by the presence of drug peddling and harassment of women within the premises. Furthermore, she cautioned about the likelihood of vandalism, including the possible theft of essential facilities such as the borehole.
The IGIDE, in collaboration with the Abia Retired Teachers, offered to volunteer their expertise to facilitate the education of out-of-school children within the community if the government initiates prompt action to reclaim the school. This proposed intervention aims to provide academic and vocational training for underprivileged children, thereby deterring them from becoming future threats to society.
The appeal from IGIDE serves as a critical call to address the dire situation at the abandoned school in Aba, urging proactive measures to reinstate the premises as a center for learning and empowerment.
