By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido District – Kaberamaido District, nestled in the heart of Uganda, stands committed to advancing education despite facing numerous challenges. With a pupil enrollment of 43,679 in primary Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools and 2,068 students in Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools, the district grapples with infrastructural deficits and staffing shortages.
The district boasts 45 UPE schools, 5 USE schools, and 1 tertiary institution, Kaberamaido Technical Institute, which recently secured funding from the World Bank for expansion and the installation of food processing equipment.
During the commissioning of a dormitory constructed through collaborative efforts between parents and support from Hon. Edakasi Alfred Elalu Olale, the Acting District Education Officer, Mr. Elyebu Richard, emphasized the pressing need for government-aided secondary schools in certain sub-counties such as Oriamo, Okile, and Ochero. Notably, Alwa Seed School witnessed the construction of four classrooms funded by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) through the Teso Affairs Ministry.
Mr. Richard highlighted achievements in the education sector over the past five years, including improved academic performance, the recruitment of 125 primary school teachers, and initiatives to mobilize parental support, exemplified by the commissioning of a girls’ dormitory.
However, challenges persist, including low staffing levels with a ratio of 79:1, indicating a shortfall of 265 primary teachers and 74 secondary school teachers. Moreover, inadequate school infrastructure reveals critical deficits: a pupil-classroom ratio of 87:1, a pit latrine deficit of 527, and a shortfall of 8,404 desks, among others. Low community involvement exacerbates these challenges, as evidenced by insufficient midday meals, scholastic materials, and parental attendance at meetings.
The headteacher of Kaberamaido Primary School, Mr. Eyoku Simon Korum, lamented the insufficient classrooms and the need for fencing. He highlighted the construction of a girls’ dormitory by parents but underscored the absence of such facilities for boys, necessitating the school’s rental of accommodations.
With an enrollment of 2,000 pupils, Kaberamaido Primary School exemplifies the need for urgent infrastructural upgrades and community support. Hon. Edakasi Alfred Elalu Olale commended the school’s management for their dedication and pledged 5 million shillings for the construction of a teachers’ house. He urged parents to prioritize education, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future.
Chief Guest Salim Okmakech, representing Peter Ogwang, emphasized the societal perils of illiteracy, warning against the repercussions of uneducated individuals engaging in conflicts over land and alcohol. He underscored the imperative of educating children for communal progress.
In conclusion, Kaberamaido District stands at a crossroads, striving for educational excellence amid systemic challenges. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders, sustained investment, and heightened community involvement remain indispensable in realizing the district’s educational aspirations.