Gulu district local government has summoned secondary head teachers to explain the cause of poor performance at their respective schools. The directive issued by the office of the Local Council 5 Chairperson stems from the poor performance that Gulu has been recording in both local and national examinations even after the return of relative peace in the area.
Gulu district local government has summoned secondary head teachers to explain the cause of poor performance at their respective schools.
The directive issued by the office of the Local Council 5 Chairperson stems from the poor performance that Gulu has been recording in both local and national examinations even after the return of relative peace in the area.
The local authorities are particularly concerned that the district has been performing dismally in national examinations.
The number of students scoring first grades has been dropping over the past three years with only 135 recorded last year. In 2010 the district recorded 205 first grades, a figure that dropped to 199 in 2011.
The poor performance prompted the district leadership on Thursday to hold a meeting with the head teachers and parents to find a solution.
During the heated meeting held at Gulu district Chambers, a number of factors were advanced as to the cause of poor performance in schools.
Some of the factors cited include lack of concentration by teachers who teach in more than five schools in a day, a practice commonly known as ‘moonlighting.’ Lack of career guidance and poor foundation of some of the teaching staff were among other reasons pointed out.
Mathew Awere, a long serving examiner noted that some teachers in the district spend time moving from one school to another to part time and as a result they lack the commitment. He cited a case of an unidentified teacher who teaches in six schools and one of them is located 90 kilometers away.
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Awere also noted that the greatest challenge faced by teachers is lack of exposure. He explains that most of them went to secondary schools there and later to Unyama Teachers Training College and therefore lack general knowledge and exposure to impart to the students.
The parents who were in the meeting were angered by the reports from the head teachers that several students escape from boarding schools to go and watch nude shows in a local bar called Buganda Pub.
The teachers had told the meeting that students now refer to nude shows as ‘mapping’ which enables them to experiment.
Lucy Larubi, a parent said the local authorities should ensure that children are protected from acts that promote immorality.
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Dr. Joyce Kadeu, another parent called for sex education in schools to be emphasized so that children do not engage in illicit ways of learning about sexuality.
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Sylvano Ibata, a parent said the authorities in the district should investigate the management of the places that stage nude shows.
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Nude shows commonly known as ‘kimansulo’ in central Uganda have found their way in Gulu night clubs.
The meeting resolved that the district council passes an ordinance banning underage children from being allowed to enter night clubs and other entertainment centres.
Ssalongo
Guest
