Access to education is difficult for hundreds of pupils and students in Foni due to the ongoing fighting between the Senegalese army and separatist MFDC rebels in Cassamance.
The intense fighting just across the border, including daily shelling means many students in Foni cannot go back to schools shutdown due to the prevailing situation.
Our source said more than a dozen schools are affected, including, Kanling Madarasa, Siwol Early Childhood Center, Kanilai Basic Cycle, Bunuborr Basic Cycle, Kappa Basic Cycle School and Tamba Kunda Basic Cycle School.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Louis Mendy, has told TAT the displaced affected students have been asked to attend classes in any school of their choice, and that many have started attending normal classes in schools.
He added that the regional education office in Brikama is coordinating this effort.
However, Modou N. Tamba, Chairman Kanilai Youth Development Association, said many parents remain concerned about the safety of their children because of the security situation of the area.
He added that many learning hours have already been lost, which could affect the performance of the grade nine (9) students, who are preparing for their final examinations.
