Head Teachers and Students in Kasese District's Secondary Schools are expressing worries about how poverty and a shortage of computers could potentially hinder the success of the newly introduced lower secondary competency-based curriculum.
The National Curriculum Development Centre, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Sports, rolled out the new lower secondary education curriculum in February 2020. This curriculum aims to better meet learners' needs, particularly with regard to skill training and enhancement.
Our reporter conducted research in several secondary schools in Bukonzo West and Busongora South Constituencies in Kasese District, encompassing both private and government-aided institutions.
Mr. Joab Bwambale, the Head Teacher of Mpondwe Muslim Vocational Secondary School, voiced concerns about the scarcity of textbooks and guiding materials. He mentioned that the Ministry has not fully supplied these resources according to the required capacity based on the number of learners.
Mr. Joab also expressed worry about teachers' familiarity with the teaching tactics, especially given the shortage of computers, which are crucial tools for implementing the new curriculum.
Mr. Kato Wilfred, the Head Teacher of St. Charles Vocational Secondary School, highlighted financial challenges faced by schools when funding learners' projects. The capitation grant from the government has not been increased to cover all expenses related to the new curriculum. He appealed to parents to support their children by contributing extra funds for these projects to ensure a smooth learning experience.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yokonia Bwambale, the Head Teacher of Bwera Secondary School, acknowledged the advantages of the new curriculum. He noted that it equips learners with practical skills that can help them earn an income. The new curriculum focuses more on practical applications rather than theory, with learners at his school already producing tools.
Notably, students at Kuruhe High School in Busongora South have displayed innovation by creating a mosquito repellent Vaseline to combat the increasing cases of malaria in the area.
Kato Sayirasi, the Head Boy at the school, explained how the students in the education club used their scientific knowledge to develop 'Nyabaghole Jelly,' which contains ingredients toxic to mosquitoes. This innovation is expected to reduce the costs associated with buying mosquito nets or malaria medication.
Kamalha Pofia and Better Praise, female students at the school, believe that this initiative can help them generate income during school and holidays, as a tin of their jelly is priced at 2000 Ugandan Shillings, and the earnings will be used to purchase items like sanitary pads.
Mr. Joseph Nzukwa, the Chairperson of the Association of Secondary School Head Teachers (ASSHU) for the Rwenzori Region and Kasese District, who also serves as the Head Teacher of Kuruhe High School, emphasized that these innovations and projects align with the government's programs to foster skills and creativity among learners, contributing to Uganda's development.
However, some students from Bukonzo West are urging the government and school administrators to expedite plans for establishing advanced computer laboratories. They argue that this is essential for research since their families cannot afford smartphones, which are required for the new curriculum.
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