Seven primary schools in Zombo have been awarded a total of Ugx 230 millions under the “Alochi Ku somo” project funded by A Switzerland Non-governmental organization called the CO:OPERaID being implemented by a consortium of three Non-governmental organization Life Concern, Nebbi NGO-forum and Cerford.
The “Alochi ku somo” project of over Ugx 4 billion launched in 2022 aimed at championing academic excellence in the District is to come to an end in 2024.
Robust research was done to assess the magnitude of challenges some schools are going through and it’s against that backdrop that they were selected to benefit from the initiative.
The selection of schools to benefit from the initiative was done in a competitive manner and a panel of many judges took a part to choose the winners.
The winning schools were grouped under two categories the School Accountability Award competition and the School Demotion Award.
During the award ceremony at Cream Land Motel in Paidha Town Council on November 10, The executive Director of Life Concern Kakura Emmy Kizito charged local leaders ” to monitor the implementation of the funds in schools” adding the support should impact the supported institutions”.
The selected schools that are in dire need of assistance are from Padea Town Council, Paidha Town Council, Abanga and Jangokoro Sub-County.
The Executive Director of Nebbi NGO-Forum Ronald Ofoyrwoth noted that ” good implementation of the project will attract more funding from the funders”.
He hinted that teachers in the nearby future will also benefit from the innitiative before ” calling for increased capacity building of SMCs, Foundation bodies amongst others”
Winners
In accountability, Ugx 150 million was given and in promotion was Ugx 80 million totalling to Ugx 230 million
Under school accountability award
1- Oturgang Boys Primary School -50 million
2-Mvungu Upper Primary School -40 million
3-Mvungu Lower Primary School – 30 million
4-Asina Primary School – 20 million
5-Pakadha Primary School -10 million.
Under School Demotion award
1-Alala primary school – 50 million
2- Padea Primary School- 30 million
Beneficiaries speaks out
The Headteacher of Oturgang Boys Primary School Alex Susu commended the initiative and appealed to the “Old Boys of the school to step in and also offer more support” adding they will use the funds to renovate a block that was already labelled a condemned structure.
The Headteacher of Asina Primary School said “Due to dilapidated structures at the school, many learners have abandoned the school, I can say what you have done for us is great, we shall use the funds effectively , many learners always run away from the school when its raining “.
The Zombo District Inspector of Schools Silvio Jalar expressed gratitude about this initiative giving assurance of working together to promote academic excellence in the district.
” Through this project, you are touching the souls of 21 schools of which 14 have benefited already, we shall be committed as the education department to work with you” Jalar stressed.
The Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom who was the Chief Guest at the event explained that ” I’m blessing this initiative as the prime minister of Alur Kingdom and I appeal that the program be enrolled all over the Kingdom “
He also called upon the Ministry of Education and Sports to do its part noting that the conditions of most schools in the area are alarming.
Under the same project last week, The Second batch of youths who attained three months training In different skills graduated and were equipped with start-up kits.
Zombo has a total of 92 public primary schools most of which have overwhelming enrollment rendering the school administrators in a crisis of confidence.
Last year, Seven Schools under the “Alochi ku somo” Project were awarded funds worth millions of shillings as one of the strategies to champion and improve the learning environment in schools for academic excellence.
