Otuke District leaders have started a two-week Education Baraza to solve teacher absenteeism and encourage pupils to return to school.
The first meeting took place at Okwang Primary School in Okwang Town Council and was attended by headteachers, parents, community members, and district leaders.
According to the District Education Officer’s representative, Patrick Ochero, the Baraza is aimed at finding solutions to challenges in education, improving academic performance, and creating open communication between schools and parents.
The Chief Administrative Officer, Joseph Lomongin, warned that any teacher who stays away from work for 15 days without a clear reason will not receive payment. He urged parents to support schools through government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). Lomongin also advised teachers to avoid taking too many loans, which often cause absenteeism, and instead join SACCOs to manage their finances better.
Representing the LCV Chairperson, Kamara George Oyang noted that the ongoing teachers’ strike has left pupils idle, leading to early pregnancies and increased crime rates. He called on headteachers to convince their colleagues to return to class for the good of the learners.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Erick Masiga encouraged all education stakeholders to ensure schools remain open and functional. He reminded teachers not to chase pupils away for failing to pay fees and urged salary earners to engage in small income-generating projects to improve their livelihoods.
Although some schools have resumed lessons after interventions by headteachers, others are still struggling to restart. Parents, on their part, appealed for higher teacher salaries to boost morale and end the strike, especially during the promotional term.
The Education Baraza will continue in different sub-counties across Otuke District, including Barjobi, Okwongo, Adwari, Otuke, Orum, Ogor, Ogwete, and Olilimi, in an effort to restore normal learning and strengthen community participation in education.