By KT Reporter
Gulu and Omoro districts have allocated over 600 million shillings for the renovation of dilapidated classrooms to improve the learning environment in their schools. In Gulu District, 259 million shillings will be spent on renovating classrooms at Panykworo, Cetkana, Aswa Camp, and Ajulu Primary Schools.
However, the renovation plans have been disrupted by a disaster at Pawel Angany Primary School, where the roof of a four-classroom block was blown off by wind on November 13, 2024. This incident also left the block with significant cracks.
Jackline Akello, the Gulu District Education Officer, explained, “We had already determined the number of classrooms to renovate but we suffered a disaster at Pawel Angany Primary School. The wind blew off the roof of a four-classroom block on November 13, 2024.”
She added that their priorities have now shifted to Pawel Angany Primary School, saying, “We are writing to the Office of the Prime Minister to support us in that disaster because pupils are now studying under trees and yet it is raining.”
Recently, Pawel Angany Primary School, which was not included in the renovation plans, lost its roof, forcing over 150 pupils in primary four and five to study under trees.
Betty Lawino Bongonyinge, the head teacher of Pawel Angany Primary School, remarked, “The building was very old. It was constructed in the 1998/1999 financial year. The timbers were rotten, and the iron sheets had holes. We had been spending on carpenters to do mending on the roof, but it was no longer helping.” Renovating the block is estimated to cost about 90 million shillings, according to Akello.
In Omoro District, 425 million shillings will be used to rehabilitate classrooms in five primary schools. According to Rev. Vincent Ocheng Ocen, the District Education Officer, the projects include a five-classroom block at Idobo Primary School for 90 million shillings and a four-classroom block at Opaya Primary School for 55 million shillings, both funded by the School Facility Grant (SFG).
Other works include a four-classroom block at Idure Primary School for 100 million shillings, a five-classroom block at Labworomor for 100 million shillings under school maintenance, and a four-classroom block at Okwir Primary School for 80 million shillings under the school maintenance grant.
Rev. Ocen highlighted the poor state of these schools, noting, “These schools are in a sorry state. The floors are worn out, roofs are leaking, and there are cracks on the wall. They need to be worked on so that the children learn in a good environment.”
He also pointed out the positive impact of better structures on school enrollment, saying, “We have seen an increase in Lalogi P7 School. They had about 200 pupils, but enrollment has increased to 350 learners because the classrooms were renovated.” Efforts in both districts reflect the ongoing struggle to address structural deficiencies in schools while creating better learning conditions for children-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
