By Richard Onapatum
Kotido District, Uganda – The state of Kanamwar Community Primary School in Longaroe Subcounty is alarming. Teachers and pupils are forced to share latrines, a situation that poses serious health risks. This is just one of the many challenges facing the school.
In an interview, Headteacher Otukoi Paul Francis revealed the school’s struggles. “We lack basic facilities, including separate latrines for teachers and pupils. This is unacceptable and puts everyone’s health at risk.” Francis added that the school’s feeding program is nonexistent, leading to high dropout rates.
The school’s infrastructure is woefully inadequate. “Our P4 students study under a tree due to insufficient classrooms,” Francis said. This exposes pupils to harsh weather conditions and distractions, hindering their ability to focus on their studies.
Teacher accommodation is another concern. “We lack staff houses, forcing teachers to commute long distances or seek alternative accommodations,” Francis explained. This affects teacher morale and attendance. Additionally, the school lacks essential resources, including scholastic materials and funds for EMIS registration.
Francis appealed to stakeholders, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP), to provide food support, similar to other schools. He also requested the District Education Officer (DEO) to code the school, enabling it to access vital resources.
Community Development Officer Achen Jacovine acknowledged the latrine issue, pleading with stakeholders to rescue the situation. “We understand the challenges facing Kanamwar Primary School and urge stakeholders to intervene.”
Kanamwar Primary School’s plight serves as a stark reminder of Uganda’s rural education challenges. As authorities scramble to address these concerns, the future of hundreds of pupils hangs in the balance. Will stakeholders heed the call to rescue Kanamwar Primary School from the brink of collapse? Only time will tell.
