Yesterday, I shared a post about the unfortunate vandalism that occurred in our school. Sadly, the situation has worsened. When we arrived at school this morning, we discovered it had been looted again, leaving the premises in a chaotic state.
The thieves took everything they could, including solar cables, the Mikano generator cables, and other valuable items. The principal's office was not spared. The door was broken, and the looters ransacked the office. Fortunately, they left behind records, books, and framed pictures on the walls, but almost everything else was gone.
Our school once had a night guard who was responsible for keeping the premises secure after hours, as well as a morning guard who helped students cross the road safely and monitored their movements. Despite these security measures, the hoodlums somehow managed to carry out their activities and escape without being caught.
What makes this even more disheartening is that one of our former students was caught last term attempting to steal wires that had already been looted. He was apprehended by the school’s security personnel and handed over to the police. The authorities ensured he paid for the damages before he was released. This incident raised concerns about how people, even those connected to the school, could stoop to such actions.
The atmosphere at school is tense, and the principal is deeply distressed. Her retirement is only a few weeks away, and this series of events has left her feeling overwhelmed. This morning, she addressed us with a heavy heart, clearly burdened by the thought of leaving the school in such a state. She had hoped to hand over the school in reasonably good condition—if not perfect, at least functional. This situation jeopardizes her plans, and I can’t help but feel bad for her.
The impact of these thefts is far-reaching. It affects the morale of both staff and students, disrupts the school’s daily operations, and creates a sense of insecurity. As a community, we need to address this issue urgently. It is not just the school administration’s responsibility but everyone’s, including parents, alumni, and community members, to ensure that the school is safe and secure.
We must consider reinstating effective security measures, such as hiring experienced guards and possibly installing surveillance cameras around the premises. Strengthening the perimeter fencing and improving lighting could also help deter future incidents. Additionally, community involvement is crucial. Parents, neighbours, and local leaders can play a role in monitoring the area and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
It is also important to educate students, particularly former students, about the consequences of such actions. Schools are meant to be places of learning and growth, not targets for vandalism and theft. Efforts should be made to foster a sense of pride and responsibility among students and alumni, encouraging them to see the school as a shared asset worth protecting.