After two students were sent home from the Greenwich Park Primary School earlier this week, due to the hazard of the current ‘dust situation’, the school’s Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA) has decided to stage a fund-raiser to deal with the problem.

However several parents, while concerned for their children’s health, are of the opinion that they are being “subjected” to undertake the reconstruction of the school’s flooring.

According to one woman, who asked to remain anonymous, it is unfair that parents, feeling the squeeze of the financial crisis, should have to subscribe to reconstruction works that should have been done properly in the first place.

The Greenwich Park Primary School, located on the East Bank of Essequibo, was constructed approximately two years ago and was commissioned in October 2007.

Unfortunately, some 10 months later, dust particles from the concrete floor have become a problem.

This nuisance has caused children to suffer from skin rashes and other allergic manifestations.

The parents say the work done was substandard and are unhappy that they have to subscribe to purchase cement and sand to re-do the floor.

The parent who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle stated that examinations are closing in and the children have to attend school.

Attempts to contact the Regional Education Officer, Ms. Marilyn Jones O’Donoghue, for a comment of the issue proved futile.

However, in response to these concerns raised by parents, Deputy Headmistress Mrs. Maureen Persaud stated that it is sad and unfair that parents see the situation in such a negative light.

“It is our school, it is our children and it is our community that will benefit,” Persaud said.

However, she made it clear that the school was not soliciting contributions as this is against the Ministry of Education’s policy. Rather, it was a PTA decision.

Persaud explained that the PTA, at a recent meeting, suggested a Sales Day and requested parents to make contributions to the sale in whatever way they were able.

“The Regional Administration is trying to assist us, but ours is a relatively new school and there are other older schools that need the funds for renovations, Persaud said.

She added that it was in this light that the PTA took it upon themselves to assist their school.

She acknowledged that the dust was indeed affecting the students but pointed out that this was more reason for parents to support the PTA in the self-help project.