Mike Ssegawa
13 October 2008
It is at this time of the year when candidates from poor backgrounds worry not only about the forthcoming national examinations to propel them unto another level, but also the scholastic materials they would use through this period.
For many of these children, a pen that costs Shs200 or a geometry set that goes at shs1000, are far beyond their means, and it is common to hear some of them missed some exams because they never had a pen, or, that they could not answer some questions because they did not have a geometry set.
For that matter, Every Child Ministries, a Christian organisation that works with orphans, displaced and war affected children in Africa launched a provision of scholastic materials initiative for children in northern Uganda. The initiative supported by a US based philanthropist couple Bill and Jeanne Hass was launched at Gulu Public School in Gulu District last week.
The director of Every Child Ministries David Lubaale said the initiative that gives books, pens, geometry sets, long rulers and laboratory equipment would initially cover Gulu and Amuru Districts.
He said that education was the best way to offer hope to society, especially to children whose family stability have been largely affected by war. "Children in northern Ugandan can perform well but for them to compete nationally, they need to have a positive and satisfied mind," said Lubaale.
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the speaker of Gulu district praised the continuous support offered by charity organisations to northern Uganda and said, "Coming here is a sign of (giving) hope to committed children who want education to shape their future and the future of Acholi."
Students of Gulu Pubic Primary school, Pope Paul VI SS Anaka, Sacred Heart Girls School, among others received mathematical sets, long rulers, pens, pencils and laboratory equipment to be used during science practicals. These children will remember the good gesture offered to them at this time of need, even while they write their exams, Mathew Simon Ojok, the head teacher of Pope Paul VI Secondary School commented.
The Secretary for Education in Amuru District, Gilbert Oulanya said that it was high time the girl child is given chance to go to school instead of sending them to the gardens and offering them for early marriages.
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