The role of education in a developing country like Uganda need not to be over emphasized. Nelson Mandela defined education as the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world. Similarly, Gonzales referred to education as a great equalizer in a democratic society. He noted that if people are not given access to a quality education, then what we are doing is creating an underclass of people who will challenge our very way of life. This couldn’t be truer in Uganda.
A study carried out by Ministry of Education and Sports and Elevate (an education NGO in Uganda) revealed that on average one million learners every year enrol in primary education. However, at the end of the seven-year cycle, only 600,000 pupils sit for the Primary Leaving Examination. This number reduces to 300,000 at Uganda Certificate of Education level and later to 100,000 students at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education level. the dropout rates paint a grimmer picture for us as a country. For instance, in March 2021, the Daily monitored reported that reports from Butaleja District showed that dropout rates had risen from 45 percent to 70 percent in the last four years. Children from poor households are more likely to drop out of schools, while girls are also more likely to drop out of schools than boys.
We at the Alliance for National Transformation believe that the continued closure of schools is evidence of lack of planning, foresight, and misjudgement. Here’s why.
- Covid-19 has had less impact among younger children
Available research indicates that children and generally younger people are less likely to be adversely affected by Covid-19. Indeed, hospitalization of children with covid-19 has been rare even in Uganda. This explains why many countries such as Kenya and Tanzania have been able to open their schools. One might argue that children might be able to pass on the virus to adults. Whereas this is true, it is possible to put in place mechanisms to supervise schools to ensure early detection and management of Covid-19 cases to minimize the spread of the virus.
- Long-term impacts of closure of schools will affect millions of children
The closure of schools will have negative long-term effects on children. When schools reopen, thousands of children will not be able to go back to school. Many of them will be mothers, while others will be engaged in child labour. Ultimately, this will make it almost impossible for such children to escape the poverty cycle.
- It is only children from poor schools who are not learning
Whereas most urban children can continue learning online, children from poor families are not able to continue learning. Studying online for children from poor households that have no electricity, those whose parents have never owned a smart phone or those who are unable to afford data is still a distant dream. This will continue to widen the gap between children from rich and affluent households on one hand and the rural poor households on the other.
- It is easier to practice SOPs in schools
Lastly, it is much easier to enforce SOPs in schools than even in some homes. Schools (or at least most schools) can enforce social distancing, washing of hands, and putting on of masks.
We therefore call upon government to urgently undertake measures to ensure that schools are reopened. These measures should include:
- Support schools to have adequate Water, Hygiene and Sanitation facilities such as water, hand washing facilities, soap, and latrines.
- Support schools to have adequate infrastructure such as classrooms and desks
- Ensure compliance with SOPs. This can be done by the District Inspector of Schools and the District Health Officials.
- In the meantime, government should remove taxes on data and airtime to ensure that online studying is affordable.
- Urgently come up with a clear strategy and calendar for reopening of schools. This might include having schools run at half capacity by having some children study in the morning while others study in the afternoon. It is also possible to have some classes study Monday to Wednesday and Thursday to Saturday.
In conclusion, there has never been a time when true leadership has been tested like now. Covid-19 is clearly demonstrating our limited capacity to anticipate, plan and make basic decisions. Sadly, but not surprising, our leaders appear to be clueless and unable to address the challenges of the day. We call upon Ugandans to demand better, and of course to vote better next time!
For God and my country.
Titus Tumusiime
Member of Alliance For National Transformation (ANT).