Benguerra Primary School was established in 2008 to provide education for children on the island. Previously children did not attend school or travelled to the mainland to do so. Africa Foundation has been active in the communities on Benguerra Island since 2015. Focus areas of work to date have been Future Foundations projects, such as clinic and school infrastructure and solutions to improve access to water. Healthy Ecosystems with the Oceans Without Borders marine conservation programme active in this seascape since 2018.
Africa Foundation recently secured funding to build one double classroom block at the school. The Foundation would like to continue with the development of infrastructure and is seeking funding to support the priorities for the Primary School. The construction of another block of three double classroom block, which will significantly reduce classroom overcrowding and creating a far more conducive learning environment. Recognising that quality teaching is as critical as a conducive classroom environment to optimising academic achievement at Benguerra Primary school, Africa Foundation is also raising funds to construct accommodation for the teaching staff which will include individual rooms, bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Benguerra Primary School was established to provide education for children on the island. Previously children did not attend school or travelled to the mainland to do so. Today, Benguerra Primary school has an enrolment of 512 children from grades 1 to 7, taught by 9 teachers. The current infrastructure at the school consists of 4 classrooms, a library – often used as a classroom, administration office and ablutions. With the current enrolment, the 5 rooms are expected to cater for an average of 102 pupils per room. To help the school cope with the enrolment, some students attend class in the morning and others go to school in the afternoon. Even under this arrangement, the small classrooms cannot accommodate all the students. To try to reduce class sizes, some students sit outside the classroom under trees.
It is well recognised that overcrowding in classes hinders the academic performance of the students. It is a challenge to both the teaching and the learning process. Overcrowding raises noise levels and increases disciplinary issues, creating opportunity for personality conflicts, general disruptive behaviour, and for struggling students to be overlooked and get left behind.
Please find link to latest donor report : Southern Africa – Mozambique – Bazaruto Archipelago – Benguerra Primary School – Classroom Repairs, Water Tanks an Guttering. Final Report . November 2023
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