NICHOLAS A
Several primary schools have reported a significant drop in student attendance as the new term begins compared to previous terms.
Edson Abaho, the head teacher of Kiganga Primary School in Nyarushanje Sub-county, said that approximately only 25% of the pupils reported to school, even though all teachers were present and waiting for students. He urged parents to send their children to school, as the term has already commenced.
Goretti Tuhairwe, the head teacher of Kihumuro Primary School in Buyanja, reported that out of 332 pupils enrolled last term, only 90 students returned to school on Monday. She expressed concern over the low turnout compared to the start of previous terms.
Henry Atwiine, the head teacher of Rwengiri Primary School in Bugangari Sub-county, said that out of 332 pupils, only 58 reported yesterday. He noted that, since joining the school, he has observed a tendency among students to return late after holidays, with attendance usually stabilizing by the third week of the term.
In an interview with our reporter, Rukungiri District Secretary for Education, Social Services, and Commercial Tourism, Mrs. Kaledonia Bakironda Clare, urged parents to send their children back to school and criticized the practice of keeping them at home.
Kaledonia revealed that during her visits to several schools in Rukungiri yesterday, the attendance was poor, despite this being a critical term. She implored parents to adhere to the school calendar and send their children to school since this is a promotion term.
She also urged teachers to begin their work immediately, condemning late reporting, which she said could hinder students’ academic progress. She emphasized the need for hard work to complete the syllabus, as this term is crucial for student promotion.
According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, Term 3 of 2024 began on 16th September and will end on 6th December 2024. This year marks the first time O’ Level students will sit for UNEB exams under the new curriculum.
