According to Muhebwa, the school has never got a first grade because few available teachers are unable to handle all classes to ensure pupils have understood what they are being taught.
Lack of classrooms and teachers is hampering learning in government-aided primary schools in Kitwagwenda district. Fabian Habiyaremye, the acting Kitagwenda District Education Officer -DEO, says there are 68 government-aided primary schools in the district.
He however, says some of them have less classrooms and the teacher-pupil ratio is still way too high. He cites Kengeya primary school in Buhanda Sub County, which has 480 pupils and 10 teachers with only two permanent classrooms built by government.
The head teacher, Augustine Kalisa, says several lessons are conducted under trees and in a nearby church. He says at times they call off classes due to bad weather like rain and strong sunshine. Jean Muhebwa, the head teacher Nyanga primary school in Mahyoro Sub County, says the school has only seven teachers to handle 1062 pupils.
According to Muhebwa, the school has never got a first grade because few available teachers are unable to handle all classes to ensure pupils have understood what they are being taught.
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At Nyamukoijo primary school in Kitagwenda town council, there are 370 pupils with two classrooms. The head teacher, Achleo Mugarura, says parents have attempted to address the problem by constructing temporary classrooms but they are normally weak and end up being destroyed by heavy rains and hailstorm.
Fabian Habiyaremye, the acting Kitagwenda District Education Officer –DEO, said he is aware of the problems but said the district lacks funds to address them. He is however optimistic that a solution will be found in the near future. Curved out of Kamwenge district, Kitagwenda became operational on July 1, 2019.
Story by
Christopher Tusiime
Ngabirano Gerevazio
