The Monitor (Kampala)
Robert Mwanje
12 October 2009
Kampala — Kampala City Council has earmarked Shs3 billion to construct and equip five school libraries, city mayor Hajj Nasser Sebaggala has said. He explained that there is need to boost pupils' reading culture through availing more reading materials. He said most city schools lack both laboratories and libraries, which has adversely affected students' performances.
"We want to start with expansion of the main library at the district headquarters and then move to divisions. We plan to start with turning some classrooms into libraries as we generate funds for this project," Hajj Sebaggala said on Friday.
He said KCC is also planning to introduce a computer training programme in all primary schools across the city to reduce information technology illiteracy levels.
According to Sebaggala, the computer programme will be conducted in mobile vans, saving students from travelling long distances.
"We plan to have at least 12 buses which can accommodate about 50 students each equipped with computers and generators which will be visiting different schools according to schedule. Students will be reached in their residential areas and schools," the mayor said.
Kampala Town Clerk Ruth Kijjambu said they will consider construction of libraries at the division headquarter to cater for pupils in different parts of the city.
KCC has 81 government-aided primary schools with a total enrolment of 61,516 pupils every year. Private primary schools have another 106, 030 pupils, bringing the total to 167, 546.
"We estimate that the cost of establishing a public community library and children library will be at least Sh600 million for basic stocking in each division," Ms Kijjambu said recently.
New city council data indicates that Central Division has only 13 libraries serving 245 classrooms, Kawempe Division has 9 libraries catering for 158 classrooms, while Makindye has 10 for 225 classes. Nakawa meanwhile has 10 libraries.
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That is so awesome because as pernow the reading culture is very low not only among the students but the entire population. we should embrace this opportunity and utilize them effectively. Thank you
That is so awesome because as pernow the reading culture is very low not only among the students but the entire population. we should embrace is opportunity and utilize them effectively. Thank you