Students highlight unsatisfactory conditions at Tjæreborg School in Denmark

At Tjæreborg School, there are only four restrooms available for 150 students in the middle grades, leading students to refer to the building as “Vestre Fængsel” or “Western Prison.” According to 15-year-old Nana Bruun Hansen, the student council chair, the conditions are far from satisfactory. The building houses grades 4 to 6, and in addition to unpleasant-smelling restrooms, it suffers from water issues in the basement, leaky windows, and poor indoor climate, making it difficult for students to focus.

Nana notes that during summer, the heat becomes unbearable, while winter brings a chill that requires students to dress warmly in order to concentrate. The restrooms are particularly problematic; she describes them as unsanitary and consistently malodorous, with almost no functional available.

Principal Luna Højgaard Nissen acknowledges the students’ frustrations, highlighting that the school has long needed more than just superficial renovations. Each year, Tjæreborg School receives around 100,000 kroner for maintenance, which is insufficient for necessary repairs. Specific needs include façade renovations to prevent rain from leaking through windows, which she confirms is a problem during heavy rain.

Esbjerg Municipality’s Mayor, Jesper Frost Rasmussen, recognizes the need for extensive renovations but cites a lack of funds, attributing this to an outdated inter-municipal funding system. He, along with other mayors, has called for a review of the funding system, which they argue fails to address current regional needs adequately.

Interior and Health Minister Sophie Løhde has stated that she is open to analyzing the funding system. Meanwhile, Principal Nissen estimates the cost to fix the ventilation system alone is around 4.5 million kroner, emphasizing that a supportive learning environment is crucial for students to thrive and contribute to society.