Nammigadde

My name is Nammigadde Lovincer and I am the Mityana District Education Officer. We are very grateful that a new secondary school is being built in the Namungo sub-county. More than just building a school, this will help the whole community.

The high drop-out rate from secondary schools in this area is a real problem for us. It is the girl-child who is affected most badly.

The girls from the Namungo area rarely attend secondary school and when they do, they usually don’t complete. The distance to the nearest secondary is too far. The long route they travel is demoralising and can be very dangerous. Parents are reluctant to put their girls through this. Especially when they can stay at home and help supplement the family income.

Child labour is a big issue in the Namungo area. Parents do no support education. They are not even keen to encourage their children at primary because, before now, there was no hope that the children could continue to secondary school. This new secondary school will make a real difference to the whole community. I am sure that parents will enrol their children. The distance is near, the fees are low and lunch is provided. In an area where most people live below the poverty line, the provision of free lunch cannot be underestimated. Often parents cannot afford to fill their children’s bellies. Hunger will not be an obstacle to attendance or learning at this new school. We are all truly grateful.