By Chris Woo
The Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH) has embarked on an ambitious project to empower 24,000 learners in Northern Uganda with foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The “Equal Foundations, EmpowerED Futures” project, supported by Echidna Giving, will focus on learners from primary three to five in Oyam, Kole, Arua, and Alebtong districts.
According to Emmy Zoomlamai Okello, Executive Director of FICH, the initiative aims to enhance literacy and numeracy skills, improve teaching practices, boost parental involvement, and conduct evidence-based advocacy focusing on gender sensitivity.
The project will be implemented in 32 public primary schools, equipping teachers with modern teaching practices and focusing on play-based learning. FICH will collaborate with partners such as Zizi Afrique, Uwezo Uganda, Arua Youth Development Initiative (AYDI), Growth Care Uganda, and Change Lead Agency Social Support (CASS).
Beatrice Hellen Auma, Secretary for Education and Sports in Oyam District, welcomed the initiative, pledging political and technical support for its success. However, she noted that low student turnout remains a challenge, with efforts underway to mobilize parents to bring their children back to school.
Joel Ojedra, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Oyam District, highlighted the disparity in student attendance between urban and rural areas, with rural schools struggling with attendance rates as low as 65-80%. He emphasized the importance of education and hailed FICH’s intervention in the education sector.
Jeneth Acol, Senior Inspector of Schools for Oyam, expressed concerns about the low attendance rates in government schools in rural areas compared to private schools in urban centers. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the challenges faced by rural schools.
Patrick Ocen, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Oyam District, questioned why private schools continue to perform better than government-aided schools despite support. He attributed poor performance in government-aided schools to fights over ownership of foundation bodies.
The initiative was launched during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at Rainbow Hotel in Oyam town council.
