By Richard Onapatum
In a startling revelation, Kapelebyong Government School, located in the heart of the district, has been exposed for its dire lack of infrastructure. With only 20 desks to accommodate its students, the school paints a grim picture of the education crisis plaguing the Teso region.
The district chairperson, Francis Akorikin, has sounded the alarm, calling attention to the crumbling state of educational facilities in Kapelebyong. “We are facing a serious struggle in terms of learning classrooms,” Akorikin emphasized. “Our schools, both primary and secondary, are plagued with dilapidated structures and a severe shortage of desks.”
Akorikin’s concerns are echoed by the community, with parents and teachers alike voicing their frustrations. “Children in this school write using their thigh as support from P1 to P6,” Akorikin revealed, highlighting the detrimental impact on students’ academic performance. “By the time PLE comes, the handwriting greatly affects learners’ marks.”
Despite receiving a capitalization grant of 120 million this year, the district remains severely underfunded to address the educational crisis. Akorikin stressed that this amount is insufficient to meet the needs of over 100 schools in the district, leaving many students to suffer in substandard conditions.
Moreover, Akorikin called upon district leaders to prioritize the education sector and unite in advocating for urgent government intervention. “We must stop politicking and address the key issues at hand,” he asserted. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of our students and provide them with the conducive learning environment they deserve.”
As Kapelebyong Government School struggles to cope with the overwhelming demand for quality education, it serves as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges facing rural communities across Uganda. Unless decisive action is taken to address these issues, the future of countless students hangs in the balance.