Simpson M
Nyamakukuru Primary School, a government-assisted institution situated in Buroora parish, Nyarushanje sub-county, Rukungiri district, is grappling with numerous challenges, including a shortage of teachers, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate toilet facilities.
Despite having an enrollment of 540 pupils, the school operates with a limited number of teachers, potentially impacting the academic performance of the students.
Mujuni Charles, the headteacher of the school, expressed concerns during an interview with Boona FM, highlighting the difficulty in managing the pupils. For instance, he pointed out that a single teacher is responsible for handling classes such as Primary Three with 86 pupils, and Primary Four with 78 pupils across all subjects.
Moreover, Charles mentioned the issue of teacher absenteeism, noting that some teachers frequently fail to report to duty without valid reasons, leaving students unattended. He highlighted an instance where a staff member has been absent since February 17, 2024, further exacerbating the crisis as there is no one to supervise the students.
Efforts to address the shortage of teachers by hiring additional staff have been hindered by challenges in meeting their salaries. Some parents refuse to contribute funds, insisting that education in government schools should be entirely free.
The scarcity of teachers not only affects the school’s competitiveness nationally but also impacts the overall quality of education. Charles appealed to the government to allocate more teachers to address this pressing issue.
Furthermore, Charles emphasized the inadequacy of toilet facilities, noting that one of the existing toilets collapsed, and the rest are nearly full, supported only by wooden pillars. He highlighted the lack of government support, leaving the burden on financially strained parents to maintain and support the school.
In conclusion, Charles urged the government to enhance education standards in the area by investing in better facilities and addressing the shortage of teachers effectively.
