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As the second term of the 2024 academic year began today in accordance with the National Education Institutions calendar, several schools in Rukungiri reported low attendance rates.
Celodonia Clare Bakyirodwa, the Rukungiri district secretary for education, informed our reporter that she observed low turnout in various schools she visited today, despite teachers being present and prepared for instruction.
She emphasized the importance for parents, especially those of senior four students, to recognize that this year’s exams will be based on the New Curriculum, urging them to ensure timely attendance of their children.
However, Henry Byarugaba, the head teacher of Nyakibale Lower Primary School, noted that although the school had over 500 pupils during the first term, only around 250 had reported on Monday.
Cleophas Agaba, the headteacher of St. Gerald’s Ss Nyakibale School, reported that parents made efforts to send their children to school, citing a fair turnout of students and encouraging other parents to prioritize education as classes commenced this morning.
Alvas Arinaitwe, the headteacher of Kyabugashe High School in Nyakagyeme sub-county, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, stating that nearly half of the school’s enrollment had already returned.
Arinaitwe stressed the importance for parents to value and prioritize their children’s education, noting that the second term holds significance as it covers a substantial amount of curriculum material that impacts students’ performance.
According to the Ministry of Education and Sports calendar, the second term, which commenced on May 27, 2024, will span 89 days, concluding on August 23, 2024.
