Education is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and contributes to their overall well-being. Unfortunately, Uganda faces significant challenges in providing quality and accessible basic education to children and adolescents. We’ll delve into the issues of poor education and high dropout rates, with a specific focus on the Wakisi area in Buikwe District. Additionally, we’ll explore how our organization, Navi Charity Foundation can make a difference.
The State of Education in Uganda
Access and Equity
- Early Childhood Education: Approximately 4 out of 10 young children aged 3 to 5 years attend early childhood education, showing progress from 2011 when only 2 out of 10 children were enrolled.
- Primary School Attendance: 8 out of 10 children aged 6 to 12 years attend primary school, but access remains inequitable.
- Secondary School Enrolment: The secondary level enrolment of the richest 20% of the population (43.1%) is five times that of the poorest 20% (8.2%).
- Challenges: Child marriage, teenage pregnancy, abuse at schools, and school fees keep many teens, especially girls, out of secondary schools.
Quality of Education
- Learning Levels: Only about 50% of children in Primary 3 were proficient in literacy and numeracy in a 2018 survey conducted by the government.
- Costs and Absenteeism: Costs associated with education account for 6 out of 10 people leaving school, and illness and domestic work also contribute to irregular school attendance
The Case of Wakisi in Buikwe District
High Dropout Rates
- Economic Activities: In the Wakisi area, economic activities such as fishing play a significant role in absenteeism. Many pupils engage in fishing instead of attending school.
- Fishing Hub: Wakisi is located on the shores of Lake Victoria at Kiyindi landing site, which is a bustling fishing hub. Unfortunately, this economic activity often takes precedence over education for children.
- Poor Performance: Najja Sub County, where Wakisi is situated, registers the worst performance in the district. High dropout rates contribute to this situation.
Navi Charity Foundation’s Role
As the founder of Navi Charity Foundation, you have a crucial role to play in addressing these challenges:- Financial Support: Utilize the little money available to support education initiatives. Consider providing scholarships, school supplies, and uniforms to vulnerable students.
- Community Engagement: Bridge the communication gap between community members and district leadership. Advocate for improved access to quality education.
- Alternative Learning Opportunities: Explore second-chance or alternative learning options for out-of-school children. Life skills training can empower them.
- Collaboration: Work closely with local leaders, parents, and teachers to promote learning, attendance, and achievement.
