The Busia district education authorities in Uganda have called on village chairpersons to mobilize parents to ensure learners return to school as the third term begins. This call comes amid concerns over low attendance in some schools, with education officials warning that children remaining at home could affect their preparation for promotional and national examinations. The Ministry of Education and Sports officially opened schools for the third term on September 14.
Busia District Education Officer Anthony Wanyama stated that some parents were keeping their children at home, believing that no meaningful teaching takes place during the first week of the term. He described this practice as wrong and asked village chairpersons to sensitize parents on the importance of sending their children back to school immediately. Wanyama added that the district education department had started monitoring and inspecting schools to ensure teachers report and begin lessons immediately.
At Dabani Boys Primary School, the acting headteacher Irene Lydia reported low learner attendance compared to the over 1,000 pupils enrolled at the school last term. She appealed to parents to allow their children to return to school. Charles Hajusu, headteacher of Dabuus Nursery and Primary School, also urged parents to return their children to school after the three-week holiday.
Hajusu advised parents facing challenges meeting school requirements to engage the school administration rather than keeping their children at home. He noted that learners can begin classes as parents work to provide the requirements. Joshua Wabwire, a resident, said he had decided to send his child to school despite facing challenges in providing food and other requirements.
Busia District LCV Chairperson John Charles Namayindi stated that keeping school-going children at home undermines education standards. He said the district was planning a crackdown on parents who deliberately keep their children away from school. Namayindi emphasized the importance of parents, schools, and local leaders working together to improve attendance throughout the term.
Education officials are encouraging parents, schools, and local leaders to collaborate to improve attendance, particularly as candidates prepare for their final examinations. The officials believe that with collective effort, learners can catch up on any missed work and adequately prepare for their exams. The district education authorities are committed to ensuring that all learners return to school and achieve their academic goals.
As the third term progresses, the Busia district education authorities will continue to monitor attendance and implement measures to improve learner turnout. The authorities are optimistic that with the support of parents, schools, and local leaders, they can address the issue of low attendance and ensure that all learners in the district achieve academic success.
Key points
- The Busia district education authorities have urged village chairpersons to intensify mobilisation of parents to ensure learners return to school.
- Low learner turnout has been reported in some schools in Busia district as the third term begins.
- The district is planning a crackdown on parents who deliberately keep their children away from school.
