Harsh Learning Conditions in Teso North
The learning infrastructure in Teso North is in bad condition. Many schools experience several adverse conditions challenging learning. The learning ends at noon due to the harsh weather conditions and poor concentration by the pupils. This is aggravated by inadequate facilities and poorly constructed structures.
Kolanya Boys Primary: A Case in Point
What happened to Kolanya Boys Primary School, once among the top performers in KCPE exams? The school currently faces a dire situation, with over 600 learners at risk from huge cracks on classroom walls and incomplete dusty floors that are always infested with jiggers. The principal, Caroline Isapuke, says the school is uninhabitable due to a lack of political will and bad leadership.
The worst hit is the ECDE section, where more than 50 learners are using a school store built in 1952 as their classroom. The school has never benefited from NG-CDF or county classroom support after several applications, hence condemning eight classrooms.
Widespread Challenges in Teso North Schools
The Kolanya situation is not an isolated case. In Teso North, the eight primary schools are in pathetic condition, with different classes sharing classrooms and resultant inadequacy of facilities. Some have few latrines with pupils and teachers sharing, while others have no structure financed by the national government’s CDF kitty.
Kangutio Primary School started in 2011 with only two classrooms and two pit latrines serving 315 learners and six teachers, three of whom are employed by the TSC. According to the headteacher, Sarah Okumu, the relevance of the NG-CDF is nil; its fund does not help the school at all. Parents are forced to buy chairs and lockers for the children to carry to and from school every day.
Impact on Education Quality
Lack of resources has compromised quality education. In Kalalarani Primary, Grades 6, 7, and 8 are in the same classroom, making it hard for the two CBC-trained teachers to handle their 15-18 daily lessons effectively. Principal Samuel Sirai is worried about accommodating Grade 9 students with regard to the current school population and the limited number of classrooms.
Other schools facing acute classroom shortages include Akiriamasiti, Opare, Moru, Kingatunyi, Akadoti, and Kamuriai. Moru and Akiriamase comprehensive schools, whose buildings are really old, with poorly constructed structures, are in dire need of renovation.
Calls for Accountability and Better Governance
Inadequate infrastructure has been a reason for concern regarding corruption and embezzlement of funds at NG-CDF Teso North. Some teaching fraternity wants the Gens Zs, actively protesting for better governance to hold MPs accountable for CDF funds disbursed since 2013.
The parents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the county and national government for not providing good learning environment. They argue that such conditions hamper pupils from Teso, as they are expected to compete with other learners within the country.
Official Acknowledgment of Challenges
The sub-county director, Elizabeth Marangachi, acknowledged the infrastructure problem and the acute shortage of teachers affecting the sub-county. She said the challenges are similar to what many schools in the country face.