Stakeholders appeal for desks as Oyuwi primary pupils sit on the floor

Stakeholders of Oyuwi Primary School, located in Adropi sub-county in Adjumani district have appealed to the Adjumani district education office to urgently provide additional desks for the school.

They cite dire learning conditions for pupils in the lower classes who are currently forced to sit on the bare floor during lessons.

With a total enrollment of 980 pupils and only 154 desks available, the school is grappling with a serious shortage of furniture that has greatly affected the learning environment.

Teachers and parents alike have raised concerns over the impact the situation is having on pupils’ concentration, handwriting, and overall academic performance.

Opio Simon, the School Management Committee Chairperson, expressed worry about the long-term effects of the poor sitting arrangements, particularly among learners in Primary One to Primary Two.

“These young children are sitting on dusty floors every day, which is not only uncomfortable but also unhealthy. We fear it may lead to increased absenteeism and poor academic outcomes. We are pleading with the district to intervene,” Opio said.

Teachers at the school say they have made several adjustments, including rotating the few available desks among classes, but the problem persists.

“We are doing our best, but 154 desks for 980 children is simply not enough. This is affecting us teachers during lessons and even we struggle to read what the pupils have written,” said Drichile William, a Primary Two teacher.

The school administration has appealed to well wishers and to the office of the district education officer to intervene.

Oyuwi primary school has a total enrollment of 980 pupils but we only have 154 desks which is not enough for the pupils.

“So, please, I am appealing to education office and any well-wisher to help us and provide for the desks because its not healthy for these children to sit on the floor,” Gulua Monga Alice, Headteacher Oyuwi Primary school, said.

As stakeholders await a response, they continue to urge the district to prioritize learning infrastructure to promote inclusive and quality education for all children in the district.