ENB scales down classes as dry spell hits schools

Schools in East New Britain province have scaled down classes due to severe water shortage and hygiene problems caused by the prolonged dry spell.

Acting provincial Education Advisor Paius Reva issued a circular last Friday, advising all schools to adjust their programs during the drought period.

In the circular, Reva stated that all Early Childhood Learning Centres have been suspended indefinitely since Friday. He said classes from elementary to grade 7 and grades 9 and 11 have also been scaled down.

"Schools across the country, and particularly in East New Britain Province, are experiencing severe and divergent weather extremes," he said. "The drought has caused critical water shortages, poor sanitation, crop failure, food-related health issues, and low student attendance."

Reva said Grades 8, 10 and 12 will only come to school on certain days until their national exams.

He said the decision was made after most water sources at schools dried up.

"Many schools depend on rainwater tanks and local water creeks which have now dried up, and primary schools are the most severely affected in the province."

The Education Board is advising parents to keep children at home and ensure they practice good hygiene during the drought period.