Over 1,000 learners in Nyakwae subcounty studying under trees

20 February 2025, 3:27 pm

By Jennifer Acheng

Over 1,000 learners from two primary schools in Nyakwae subcounty, Abim district, are currently studying under tree shades after strong winds de-roofed their classroom blocks.

The classroom blocks at Oreta Primary School and Pupukamuya Primary School were blown off by storms in 2011 and 2016, respectively, leaving a section of learners without proper study spaces for years.

Information gathered by our reporter indicates that at Oreta Primary School, which has an enrollment of 1,466 learners, a storm blew off a classroom block that housed pupils from Primary One to Four. As a result, teachers are forced to conduct lessons under available tree shades within the school premises.

A teacher at one of the affected schools, who preferred anonymity, stated that during the rainy season, afternoon lessons are often suspended due to a lack of space. Pupils have to study in shifts, which has negatively impacted their academic performance, with the school recording only two first grades in the last two years.

The situation is no different at Pupukamuya Primary School, which has an enrollment of 1,665 pupils. The Primary Six and Seven block, including the store, remains without a roof.

Franco Ochuu, the Nyakwae subcounty LC3 Chairperson, noted that in addition to the two primary schools, Nyakwae Seed School, the only secondary school in the area, is also operating without an administration block after its roof was blown off by winds in 2023.

Ochuu stated that they have repeatedly written to the district education department about the issue, but their efforts have not yielded positive results.

Margaret Auma, the Abim District Inspector of Schools, acknowledged the challenges, stating that the problem is widespread. She disclosed that other schools, including Gulonger, Aninata, Oryeotyene, Aywee, and Amita, face similar issues.

However, Auma revealed that the district is in the process of awarding contracts to seven construction companies to repair and renovate the affected classroom blocks.