NGOs task government to address education sector bottlenecks
The Forum for Education Non Governmental Organizations ( FENU) yesterday highlighted major challenges facing Schools performance and tasked government to address them, within the budgeted funds in the FY 2018/19 FY Budget.
FENU members made the revelation in a one day meeting in Kampala, to share experiences, which will be tabled before the ministry of Education and Sports.
“I have no reason not to believe the Ministry of Education and Sports will implement its obligation. As Education advocates, we should see to it that schools receive the adequate funds and requirements to promote Education in the Country”, said FENU National Coordinator Frederick Mwesigye.
He added that poverty is fought through Skills empowerment to the youth and not financial handouts.
FENU chairman Mahmoud Kazimbiraine pointed out major challenges in government Schools of Excellence to include lack of adequate infrastructure.
“Its actually scholastic materials and teachers that are availed to schools of excellence, yet infrastructure; comprising of electricity, water and roads are a big challenge. As a result, majority of parents refrain from sending their children to these schools due to lack of infrastructure and being expensive," he said.
He called upon government to put aside infrastructure funds to address these challenges. He further cited overcrowding of students in school class rooms as a major setback to education promotion in the country, calling upon Government and Development partners to give priority to addressing the challenge.
In a group discussion, FENU members recommended for separation of Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes from grown up Primary Schools Pupils’ Schools.
They said ECD children need separate sanitary facilities and feeding aspects, separate from grown up children for them to study in a comfortable environment.
“We do not want to see a situation where Early Childhood Development Centres are located under tree shades, in makeshift structures or garages because what we need is quality education seen on ground”, said Solomon Ochwo, University of Kisubi Lecturer.
