BY ENOCK MUSIKA
In a region once plagued by conflict and neglect, the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program is driving transformative change in Karamoja. Today, Mr. Gabriel Anyakun Menghestab, the Office of the National Chairperson (ONC) coordinator for Nakapiripirit, and Mr. Masanja Innocent, the District Education Officer and deputy headteacher, visited Smaller Primary School in Lochowangikalei village, Kokuwam parish, Namalu sub-county, to monitor school operations and assess the impact of UPE.
The school, registered with the Ministry of Education and Sports (Centre Number 570007), currently enrolls 666 pupils, including 418 boys and 247 girls. Among these, 60 are boarders, while 606 are day scholars. The Primary Seven class comprises 37 pupils (22 boys and 15 girls), reflecting a growing commitment to education in a region where access to schooling was once limited.
UPE Funding and PTA Contributions Drive Development Smaller Primary School benefits from the Government’s UPE conditional grant, which this year allocated 4.5 million shillings to the institution. The funds are distributed as follows: 35% for co-curricular activities, 20% for scholastic materials, 20% for other expenses, 10% for administration, and 15% for management.
In addition to UPE funding, the school relies on contributions from the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), which collects 11,500 shillings per child each term. These funds support remedial lessons, teacher incentives, salt and water purchases, repairs, electricity, boarding students’ meals, first aid, and school garden management. Academic Performance and Nutritional Support:
In the 2023 Primary Leaving Examinations, Smaller Primary School registered 57 candidates, achieving commendable results: 1 pupil scored Grade 1, 24 in Grade 2, 17 in Grade 3, and 15 in Grade 4. These results underscore the school’s commitment to academic excellence despite the challenges faced in the region.
Nutritional support is another critical component of the school’s success. The World Food Programme provides food aid, while the school cultivates four acres of land with crops such as maize, beans, and sweet potatoes. This initiative not only supplements students’ nutritional needs but also exposes them to modern agricultural practices, equipping them with valuable skills for the future.
A Model for Development in Karamoja:Smaller Primary School stands as a testament to the transformative power of UPE in Karamoja. Once a region marginalized by conflict, Karamoja is now witnessing a resurgence in education and community development. The school’s emphasis on agriculture, nutrition, and academic excellence reflects a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by students in the area.
As Mr. Menghestab and Mr. Innocent concluded their visit, they expressed optimism about the future of education in Karamoja. “The progress we see here is a clear indication that with sustained support and investment, Karamoja can overcome its historical challenges and build a brighter future for its children,” said Mr. Menghestab. With continued government support and community involvement, Smaller Primary School and others like it are paving the way for a new era of opportunity and growth in Karamoja.
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