The Ministry of Education is currently closing down schools operating without licenses, no qualified teachers, operating in poor structures, and or generally do not meet the other stipulated minimum standards. Hundreds of schools around the country have been closed since the beginning of the academic year in February. However, Namisindwa a new district carved out of Manafwa is facing a big challenge as many of the government-aided schools are in a sorry state.
A bigger percentage of the government-aided primary schools in the district have semi-permanent structures which are in a state of near collapse. An abrupt visit to Busiru Primary School in Bukwoka Sub County which has a population of over 800 pupils shocked the Minister for Housing Dr. Chris Baryomunsi who could not believe the conditions under which the pupils have to study. “It’s a challenge that we have not yet completed construction of our primary schools and this is one of the schools which requires urgent attention. I am happy that am here to see for myself the kind of challenges the people in Namisindwa face. And what I can pledge on behalf of the government is that we shall have to provide resources to support the leaders here to have better structures than what I have seen.” Said, Chris Baryomunsi – Minister for Housing.
The poor state of the schools has led to poor performance of the district in National Exams. Busiru Primary School is a perfect example of this where out of the 57 pupils who sat for PLE last years, only 2 passed in division two, 3 in division three and the rest failed. “It has affected the performance very much like what happened this year.” “And when you look those children that are competing with children in Gayaza; there are no desks, there are no tables, it is empty, there are no windows, it is bad, and it is disastrous.” Said, George William Wopuwa – LCV Chairperson, Namisindwa District.
Namisindwa LCV Chairperson George William Wopuwa attributed the sorry state of the schools to limited funding from the government. “We were allocated three school structures of three classrooms and office in the whole financial year. At that rate, if we went on for about 10 more years, we shall not be able to finish the structures. It is bad.”
The parents feel disappointed and worried about the future of their children. And they are wondering where to take their children especially now that the rainy season has begun. “Rain is about to come, the children have nowhere to go. We hope for the worst because you can see how the status is.” “You see the problem with the government they plan for everybody the same but these areas need affirmative action and that’s why when you hear the results that Eastern is the poorest you cannot be surprised.”
