Region Ten Education Officer La Shanna Anderson has refuted claims circulating on social media that schools in the region are facing a shortage of classroom furniture, following a viral video of students from Amelia’s Ward Primary School in Linden seated on a classroom floor.
She described the claims as misinformation stemming from a misrepresented situation.
In a statement addressing the issue on Thursday, Anderson referenced the widely circulated video on social media, noting that it created unnecessary alarm among parents and the public. She also warned against falling prey to “misinformation”.
“Let me state clearly and unequivocally, there is no school in Region 10 experiencing a furniture shortage. The content shared was misleading and did not reflect the true situation on the ground,” she said.
According to the education officer, the incident originated after a flea infestation was reported at Amelia’s Ward Primary School. Classes at the school were suspended for 72 hours to allow for treatment of the facility, in order to protect the health of students and staff.
“In the interest of safeguarding the health and well-being of both students and staff, classes were suspended for 72 hours to facilitate thorough treatment of the facility,” she explained.
With the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) approaching, arrangements were made for Grade Six pupils to temporarily attend classes at Bamia Primary School.
Anderson noted that the necessary furniture had already been transported to the location ahead of the students’ arrival.
“At the time the video was recorded, the furniture was already present on site and simply required organisation and placement,” she said, while acknowledging that “the classrooms were not arranged in a timely manner.”
She added that corrective measures have already been initiated to address the lapse and ensure a smooth transition for the students.
Anderson also criticised the spread of unverified information, expressing concern that the issue had been amplified without proper fact-checking.
“This was not merely misinformation or a misunderstanding. It reflected a deliberate attempt to construct a false narrative and play on the emotions of the public,” she said.
She urged stakeholders, including community leaders and Parent-Teacher Associations, to promote accurate information and responsible communication.
