ZORZOR, Lofa County – As the government’s mandate for the reopening of schools takes effect today, education authorities in Lofa say they will not resume classes in the absence of preventive measures and funds for public schools.

Speaking to the Bush Chicken in Zorzor, the district educational officer Thomas Toe said the schools in Lofa, especially within his district, are not ready to begin academic activities. He said this was due to the lack of basic preventive materials that and the lack of fencing of all schools, as mandated by the government. He added, “In line with the government mandate, all schools need to be fenced with one entry… have hand washing facility fully equip with thermometers, as well as [have] administrators and students trained in Ebola prevention and awareness”.

He said even though UNICEF provided these preventive materials on February 13, they are yet to be distributed to all of the schools which makes it impossible to resume classes. Toe added, “Even with these materials provided, public schools in the district are yet to get their school grants as promised by the government which makes it difficult to get instructional materials to begin work.” He maintained that “once all of the necessary works are done, academic activities will hopefully resume on the 23^rd of February in Lofa.”