The school year in Yaloké has been underway for more than 3 weeks, but a large number of students remain absent from their classrooms to work on local mining sites. The current situation sees many children prioritizing manual labor over their formal education. In response to the low attendance, the school administration at the Yaloké prefectural school is currently consulting with parents to encourage students to return to their studies. The administration is working to address the specific circumstances that have led to a large number of students in Yaloké currently working on mining sites instead of attending school.
Stanislas Toubili, a teacher at the Collège d’enseignement général de Yaloké, noted that instruction has begun for the students who have arrived. The faculty is attempting to maintain the standard pace of the academic calendar despite the empty desks. "Nous avons démarré les cours avec les élèves de la classe de 6ème qui étaient présents. Donc je demande humblement aux parents de laisser leurs enfants venir à l’école. L’école, c’est l’avenir de nos enfants," Toubili said. His appeal notes the growing concern among staff members regarding the consistent absence of a significant portion of the student body.
Colette Meya Tayassi, director of the École plateau fille, emphasized the academic impact of the absences as the curriculum progresses. The school is currently operating under the assumption that all enrolled students should be present for the initial lessons of the term. "Je demande aux parents de laisser leurs enfants venir à l’école. Les cours ont déjà commencé, il faut qu’ils viennent pour qu’on puisse démarrer ensemble le programme. S’ils les laissent encore sur les chantiers, ils ne pourront pas comprendre ce que les autres apprennent ici," Tayassi stated. The director noted that the material being covered in class is essential for the students' progress throughout the year, and missing these early weeks creates a significant learning gap.
Irène Rita Saramandi, director of the École sous-préfectorale-fille de Yaloké, described the ongoing situation as a challenge for the faculty. The school staff is finding it difficult to manage classes when a large number of students are engaged in mining activities. "Ça nous décourage beaucoup. Je demande aux parents de laisser venir les enfants à l’école, parce que c’est déjà la rentrée. Beaucoup d’enseignants sont déjà là, les directeurs comme les élèves. Je demande aux parents de laisser leurs enfants venir à l’école pour apprendre à lire et à écrire," Saramandi said.
The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping that the dialogue with families will lead to an increase in attendance. The teachers remain prepared to instruct all students who return to the classroom, emphasizing that the foundational skills of reading and writing must be prioritized over the immediate economic activity found at the local mining sites. The school leadership remains committed to ensuring that the academic year remains productive for every enrolled student.
