Authorities at Usher High School have rejected what they describe as inaccurate portrayals of conditions at the boarding institution, breaking their silence days after parents raised concerns over hygiene, water shortages and the theft of pupils’ belongings.
In a statement responding to a report published by CITE and subsequent commentary on social media, the school acknowledged a break-in at the boys’ hostel but insisted that conditions on the premises had been misrepresented.
“We are aware of the article and social media reports circulating regarding conditions at Usher High School,” the school said. “We would like to assure all parents that the welfare, safety and well-being of our learners remain our highest priority.”
Break-in at boys’ hostel
The school confirmed that an incident had taken place at the boys’ hostel at the start of the term, during which some pupils had returned to find their trunks tampered with and blankets missing.
However, authorities said the scale of the loss had been overstated in public commentary.
“The school did experience a break-in at the boys’ hostels. This incident affected a limited number of learners and was not a widespread loss affecting all students as may be implied on social media,” the statement said.
“Parents of the affected learners were contacted directly and the school has since taken steps to strengthen security measures.”
Hygiene and cleanliness
Parents who spoke to CITE last week described the hostels as “dirty” and said there was “no order” when they were eventually permitted to view the premises. One parent told the publication that conditions were “quite atrocious”, citing broken door handles and a lack of hot water.
The school pushed back against that characterisation.
“The school maintains regular cleaning schedules for hostels, toilets and surrounding premises. Learners are also guided and supervised on maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene,” it said.
“As with any boarding institution, maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility between the school and learners. The picture being painted that the boarding facilities are inhabitable or neglected is therefore misleading.”
Access for parents
Some parents had alleged that requests to inspect the boarding facilities last term were initially turned down. The school said no such policy existed.
“There has never been a policy stopping parents from raising concerns or engaging with the school administration,” the statement read.
“Boarding facilities are managed through established procedures to ensure order, learner privacy and security. Parents with concerns are encouraged to communicate through official channels and the school remains open to constructive engagement.”
Water supply
The original report carried claims that pupils had at one point been asked to fetch water from a nearby dam, an allegation the school flatly denied.
“Like many institutions and communities, the school occasionally faces water supply challenges. Nevertheless, measures are always put in place to ensure learners have access to water for drinking, sanitation, and domestic use,” the statement said.
“We would also like to clarify that our learners do not go to the dam to fetch water and they have never done so. Learners access water from designated water points within the hostel area. The suggestion that learners are routinely subjected to unsafe conditions is therefore not true.”
Toilets and sanitation
On allegations that toilets had been left unclean and without running water, the school said sanitation remained under continuous monitoring.
“The school continuously monitors sanitation facilities and carries out regular cleaning. Where challenges arise due to water interruptions or infrastructure pressure, they are attended to as quickly as possible,” it said.
“Efforts to improve facilities and maintain acceptable hygiene standards are ongoing.”
Call for direct engagement
The school echoed earlier remarks made by School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson Anesu George Chibi, who last week said parents already had channels through which to raise complaints. Chibi had told CITE that parents had “the headmaster’s number” and should communicate directly “rather than going to the media”.
In its statement, the school renewed that appeal.
“We encourage parents and guardians to continue engaging directly with the school administration and the School Development Committee (SDC) whenever concerns arise, rather than reporting to the media,” it said.
“We appreciate the continued support, cooperation and trust from parents and guardians as we work together to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all learners.”
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