By KT Reporter
Leaders in the Maracha district have expressed concern over the high school dropout rates, especially in the primary section.
Last month, officials of Alikua Sub County rounded up more than 20 children aged between 6 and 14 years for not going to school due to a lack of scholastic materials. They were released after their parents and guardians presented the requirements to the authorities.
According to records from the education department, since its establishment in 2010, Maracha district has recorded a high dropout rate with a low primary completion rate of 12 percent, primary three, four and five classes being most affected.
Edward Andruga, the District Education Officer, notes that if not reversed, such a negative trend could result in poverty-stricken communities and increased crimes.
As a result of the negative impacts of the school dropout rate, like increased idleness, early marriages and theft, some local community-based organisations like ‘Save the Maracha Girl’ have come up to drum support for the education of bright but disadvantaged children.
However, this intervention, according to John Odabo, the brain behind the CBO, needs more concerted effort from all stakeholders.
Joe Ledra, an Educationist and Instructor at Ragem Technical School, said the learners need to be instilled with technical skills to reverse the increasing trend of idleness as manifested in numerous roadside stages where many young boys are idle throughout the day into the night hours. He, however, cited the example of some primary school leavers who have become successful in life through self-employment after attaining skills in technical education from Ragem.
Meanwhile, Stephen Obitre, the LCV hairman who is a qualified Water Engineer has advised parents to take education of their children as priority if they are to have a better future for the district and the Country. Over the years, Maracha district leaders have been condemning the numerous unlicensed night disco dances, night markets, which attracts the youth to engage in immoral acts, lucrative petrol smuggling from DR Congo and poor parental control as key factors fueling the high school dropout rate in the district-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
