I tried to get on to the Perscoba web site to respond to your e-mail but for some reason I was unable to log on to the site. So perhaps you can circulate this mail for me.

Thanks. Your report was very informative. I visited Persco about a year ago, during the Christmas holidays, the school was in recess then. I was unable to experience and see the extent of the stench and degradation but from what I saw then I am pretty sure your account of the state of the school, bricks and mortar especially sums up my experience pretty well. I believe there is a real problem of discipline and accountability issues here, for both students and staff that require debate.

I am supportive of your call for the old students to step forward and provide to restore and pick up the image of the school. In the short term I think this can help but I am very nervous and concerned about this as a long-term solution. This is because of what I saw when I visited and discussions I have had with other old boys.

I believe that Persco's problem is lack of dedicated staff and strong leadership at the helm. I believe any future donations or handouts should be tied with performance guarantees (performance based as they say these days) from both the teaching staff and the students. I am unsure how we do this but we can find a way, I am sure. There must be some accountability somewhere otherwise it will be like pouring money down a deep bottomless hole.

About 90% of the problems you narrated in your e-mail seem to me to be leadership and management issues/problems. For instance what are the teachers and the headmaster doing while students litter the campus with plastic bags, relieving themselves around buildings and drying clothes behind the Staff Room? I doubt that this will happen on Owudo or Kokoo's watch.

The issue of the Mosque is another story. The Moslems were allowed Friday afternoon off to go into town and pray. The Protestants went to the assembly hall on Sundays. If the school can afford a building for the Moslems, I believe it is a good thing. It goes to show that the school is all inclusive and tolerant of other religions. But the Moslems or whoever uses it should keep the building and the environs neat and healthy.

As a minimum I expect the headmaster and teaching staff to find out what it is that Wesley Girls' are doing right. We need to invest in good and hardworking managers and staff and disciplined students. Instead of always looking out for donations or handouts as the answer to the problem.

I would like to suggest that our elected leaders, year groups and branch presidents etc. request the Headmaster and his staff to put in place effective disciplinary and accountability procedures. This will ensure the small monies and equipment the Old Boys give them are put to good use and equipment are properly maintained. I can go on and on but I am sure most of us know what is going on. I am the eternal optimist and I am sure together we will get it right!!