Ex-students of Government Bilingual High School, GBHS Bangem, BESTA, have lamented over dilapidated nature of the institution, urging the principal to reinstate the lost glory.
BESTA members were reacting on October 28, 2023 during their Annual General Assembly at the campus of GBHS Bangem.
In his welcome address, the principal, Mesumbe Bernard Akume lamented that the school enrollment is slightly over 300 students for the 2023/2024 academic year.
He decried the poor state of their library with almost all the text books out of use. Mesumbe said there are only ten functional computers in the computer lab, too small for the student population. The principal added that the school infrastructure is at a horrible state and pleaded with BESTA to help the institution from dilemma.
In response, the National President of BESTA, Ajang Alfred a member of the 1983 batch said they have taken keen note of all the challenges raised by the principal. However, he told Mesumbe to mobilize students to clean the school library because it is the brain of the school. He also pleaded with the principal to make the school campus reflects the dignity of the institution.
Ajang noted with dissatisfaction that farms are now found within the campus. He urged the principal to ensure that farmers leave the campus as soon as they harvest their crops. The president intimated that ex-students have the strength to cause the minister to send teachers to GBHS Bangem. However, he cautioned the principal to always report absentee teachers to hierarchy for necessary actions.
Meanwhile the Vice President of BESTA, Ankwe Janet told the principal to be proactive towards elites in an out of Bangem for the development of the institution. She said BESTA cannot solve all the problems of GBHS Bangem.
Ankwe asked the president of Parent Teachers Association, PTA, Mbongwe Peter on what he has been doing while GBHS Bangem is losing its status.
Emergency Actions
Ejole Festus another BESTA member fumed over the situation of discipline at the institution. He reflected that during their days, with the aid of the senior discipline masters, discipline was the watchword.
He called on the principal to revive discipline in the school. “Most parents now look at GBHS Bangem as a place where students are left to feel free, doing what they want at their own time. The need to win the confidence of parents again is urgent.” Ejole disclosed.
Ekome Mwene Aristotle a member of the 1989 batch urged the principal to develop a bank of projects which will be presented to all the batches of the school.
He said this will enable them mobilize to make GBHS Bangem great again.
