Serere | The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), through the Teso Affairs Ministry, has distributed roofing sheets to schools in Serere whose roofs were damaged by high winds.
The OPM donated at least 306 iron sheets.
The iron sheets were distributed at the district headquarters and collected by head teachers and school representatives.
Schools including Kamod received 55 iron sheets, Apuuton 32, Moruatyang 30, St. Williams 80, Ojama 40, and Omagor 24.
Annet Icumar, the District Education Officer, stated that many of the district’s 98 primary schools have suffered roof damage as a result of high winds.
She emphasised the lack of classroom structures and teacher accommodations, which presents a significant challenge in providing educational services to the community.
Icumar also stated that the district’s education sector is struggling with the teacher-pupil ratio, with 1,292 teachers serving 106,000 students, resulting in a ratio of 1:85, which is far from the recommended 1:53.
Stephen Ochola, the district LC5 chairperson, urged parents to raise funds for roofing structures because the district does not have a budget to repair or build new roofs.
While acknowledging the OPM’s support, Ochola urged the government to increase funding for regional ministries such as the Teso Affairs Ministry, particularly in times of disaster.
According to John Robert Okurut, headteacher of Moruatyang Primary School, the iron sheets will be used to construct a teacher’s house, as only four of the school’s sixteen teachers have on-site accommodation.
Stella Aanyu, headteacher of Ojama Primary School, expressed gratitude for the donation, which will help complete the roofing of the teachers’ house block for five of the school’s fifteen commuting teachers.
Samuel Enenu, headteacher of St. Williams Primary School, intends to use the funds to build classroom structures for students who are currently learning in the open.
Joseph Aboket, chairman of Moruatyang Primary School’s school management committee, highlighted the difficulties in raising funds from parents, noting that some are hesitant to contribute due to expectations of government intervention.
Emmanuel Omoding, MP for Serere County, thanked the Office of the Prime Minister for providing shelter for the learners, creating a conducive learning environment and improving academic performance in affected schools.
Fred Opolot, MP for Pingire County, urged institutions to implement resilience measures to avoid natural disasters threatening human well-being.
He called on communities to address the adverse effects of climate change that have impacted human life.
By Robert Edwomu
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