By Simon Wokorach
Gulu.
Gulu Archdiocese has embarked on a fundraising drive of Shs 2.5 billion for revamping the education sector in Acholi Sub Region.
Diocesan Education Secretary Rev. Fr. Robert Okello explained that the funds would help support 639 schools under the Catholic Church in Acholi Sub Region for scholarship and renovation of classes.
He however revealed that only 30 percent of learners from the region under the catholic founded schools are completing primary with 4% only completing advanced level of education.
“When you look at the capitation grants, the highest the school can get is Shs 5 million, what can this money do?” he added.
He observed that there is a low intake of students doing science courses like in Makerere University due to poor background of science subjects in schools.
The Vice Chancellor University of Sacred Heart Gulu Fr. Dr. Jino Mwaka noted that the schools in the north, have higher numbers of learners compared to those from other parts of the Country yet the performance is low.
“We need to re-awaken and reposition ourselves and commitment for revamping and transforming the education sector of this region if we must have citizens of values” He added.
NRM party sectary in support
The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement Party Richard Todwong committed Shs 30 million for supporting the project jointly with the Directorate General of Internal Security Organization.
Todwong urged the foundation body and the school administrators to prioritize good governance and management, the gap he said is accounting for the collapse of many schools in the region.
“As the party, we commit to this course but we would want to see schools getting back to good governance, look at schools like Negri Primary. How can the number of learners drop from 300 to 73 only now? Todwong asked as he pledged commitment to working with the Catholic Church.
Vicar General Monsignor Mathew Odong tasked government to prioritize support towards the education sector.
“When we look at the agenda number two of this party in power, it talks about quality education and as the church, and we align our vision with this that Ugandans must have quality education” he noted.
