By Patriot Corps
Soroti City recently hosted the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Soroti Secondary School, bringing together education stakeholders to acknowledge the vital role teachers play in nation-building. The event spotlighted pressing challenges, including poor infrastructure, low salaries, and difficult working conditions for educators.
Teddy Abina, headteacher of Nakatunya Primary School in Soroti City West, expressed concern about the lack of proper teacher accommodations, revealing that many teachers sleep in classrooms. “The government must address not just salary concerns but also the housing crisis. We are struggling,” she stated. Similarly, John Okot, a teacher at Oculoi Primary School, emphasized the alarming pupil-to-teacher ratio and poor sanitation, urging for government intervention.
Having successfully piloted in 30 schools of Dakabela County in 2023, philanthropists Peter Edeku Edopu, aspirant for Dakabela County, and Calvin Echodu, NRM flag bearer and aspirant for Soroti City West, have collaborated to extend their education program to all UPE primary schools in Soroti District and Soroti City. This initiative, supported by the Peter Edeku Foundation (PEFO) and the Calvin Echodu Development Initiative (CEDI), aims to raise educational standards and provide essential resources to improve learning outcomes in under-resourced schools.
The two leaders used the occasion of World Teachers’ Day to officially launch and donate three sets of exams to schools across the Teso sub-region. Although Calvin Echodu was unable to attend due to work engagements in the USA, he sent his apologies through Peter Edeku. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing education in the region, with Edeku encouraging locals to invest in education for a brighter future in Teso.
“I have given my best service to Soroti District without segregation, for it is where my roots are,” Edeku noted, emphasizing his dedication to improving education standards. He praised the role of teachers, stating, “A world owes its progress to teachers,” and urged everyone to support the development of the education sector.
Patty Emokor, Principal Education Officer for Soroti City, assured educators that their grievances—such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and poor housing—had been documented and would be addressed. Chief guest Martin Obore Okiria echoed these concerns, pledging his support for addressing poor salaries and the heavy reliance on PTA contributions to keep schools running. He concluded by stating, “Teso’s greatness in education can only be achieved if we prioritize the welfare of our teachers.”
The event concluded with Peter Edeku reaffirming his dedication to education reform in Teso and beyond, under the joint initiatives of PEFO and CEDI.
