Class without desks: Pupils learn on the floor at Paipir Primary School

13 February 2026, 06:55

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Paipir Primary School is grappling with a severe shortage of desks, leaving many pupils forced to sit on the floor during lessons, the headteacher has revealed.

According to Mrs. Lalam Monica Odong, the headteacher, only Primary Three (P3) and Primary Seven (P7) classes have desks, and even these are insufficient for all learners.

Pupils in other classes must sit on the floor, making it difficult to write properly and maintain cleanliness.

The shortage has reportedly affected academic performance.

In the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Paipir Primary School did not register a first-grade pass. Thirty-five pupils scored Division Two, 21 Division Three, 10 Division Four, while four pupils failed.

Pader District Education Secretary, Hon. Adonga Phillips Obalim, confirmed the desk shortage, describing it as a serious concern for both learning and pupils’ health.

He noted that similar challenges affect many government-aided schools across Pader District.

Hon. Adonga said the district has allocated funds in the current financial year, ending June 2026, specifically for the supply of desks to schools, including Paipir Primary School.

“A contractor has been identified, and procurement arrangements are underway, with deliveries expected by June.” he said.

Meanwhile, Pader Town Council leadership acknowledged the shortage but cited limited financial resources.

The Vice Chairperson of Pader Town Council III, Hon. Okello Bosco, also known as Ocii Acoro, explained that the council supports education when resources allow, but cannot provide support to all six government primary schools in its area simultaneously.

 Hon. Okello said monitoring visits are being conducted to assess school needs and determine appropriate interventions.

He appealed to the school administration to be patient while the process continues.

In the meantime, the school is implementing temporary measures, including sharing desks between classes where possible, but the shortage continues to disrupt learning.

With funds allocated and procurement underway, the district expects the desk shortage at Paipir Primary School to be resolved in the coming months, providing learners with a more conducive environment for learning.