Education in Uganda
Nelson Mandela is reported to have said ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’.
In Uganda many people are competing for a limited number of good jobs, and without a decent education it is very hard to get a job or most significantly to have the confidence to initiate your own business. According to a World Bank report Uganda has 83% youth unemployment – one of the highest rates in the world.
The provision of an education and Christian nurture of the poorest children is exactly what BrightHope is about. The children of Uganda are without a doubt the future. Over recent months I have been asking myself just what does education in Uganda mean.
In Uganda many people are competing for a limited number of good jobs, and without a decent education it is very hard to get a job or most significantly to have the confidence to initiate your own business. According to a World Bank report Uganda has 83% youth unemployment – one of the highest rates in the world.
The provision of an education and Christian nurture of the poorest children is exactly what BrightHope is about. The children of Uganda are without a doubt the future. Over recent months I have been asking myself just what does education in Uganda mean.
Access to Education
Getting access to education in the first place can be a huge challenge. In 1997 the Ugandan government introduced universal primary education (the intention was that attendance at primary school would be free) and in 2007 universal secondary education. Unfortunately the demand for free education outstrips the available places at free government schools with most requiring the payment of a fee to attend. Further, as visits by BrightHope supporters to Uganda will attest, it is not uncommon for classes to have over 50 children with little in the way of facilities and over worked teachers heading them.
The only other option are fee paying private schools which in the rural areas appear to be a need responded to by the various church organisations. The primary school at Kanfuka is one such school set up and the organised by Pastor Sam and his colleagues.
Kanfuka Primary School
Notwithstanding the importance families place on educating their children being required to pay a school fee is beyond many families living a rural life and especially where they have lots of children. The main task is to provide food and shelter. This means that many children are left at home waiting in the hope that their parents/relatives might one day scrape together enough money to meet the required school fee. Matters are made worse by the fact that in addition to the initial school fee there are many extras requirements such as books, uniform and shoes, which must be paid for. Apparently it is not uncommon for a child to be turned away if not dressed in a required school uniform including smart shoes.
It is reported that many children arrive at school having had no breakfast for no-other reason than the family cannot afford the cost. A meal consisting of a slice of bread & half a cup of porridge is available at school but again at a cost additional to the school fee.
Children lining up to receive their lunch @ Kigasa
School System
The Ugandan school year takes in 3 terms starting in February and finishing in December. Children are in primary school for seven years (Primary 1 to Primary 7), and then continue through secondary school for the next six years (Senior 1 to Senior 6).
The system is very competitive. Testing is relentless for students, as every term they have to take exams as well as having on going assessments of their performance. Based on the result they are given a grade and a position in their class – their written report specifically nominates their class ranking. If the child is successful they can move to the next school year.
Classes are not based on age because a lot of children are late starting or may have dropped out based on their parents’ ability to pay the school fee. This means children might be in classes with others who are a lot older or younger than them. Whilst this may seem strange it is of no consequence as the most important factor is the inbuilt desire to learn.
Schools in Uganda face huge challenges due to their lack of facilities. This makes it far harder for children to learn and for teachers to teach to a reasonable standard. Imaging schools that are often half built, without text books or any kind of teaching aids beyond a poorly constructed blackboard to help stimulate the children’s minds. Any improved facilities a school undertakes must be paid for through increased fees which schools are very reluctant to do.
The system is very competitive. Testing is relentless for students, as every term they have to take exams as well as having on going assessments of their performance. Based on the result they are given a grade and a position in their class – their written report specifically nominates their class ranking. If the child is successful they can move to the next school year.
Classes are not based on age because a lot of children are late starting or may have dropped out based on their parents’ ability to pay the school fee. This means children might be in classes with others who are a lot older or younger than them. Whilst this may seem strange it is of no consequence as the most important factor is the inbuilt desire to learn.
Schools in Uganda face huge challenges due to their lack of facilities. This makes it far harder for children to learn and for teachers to teach to a reasonable standard. Imaging schools that are often half built, without text books or any kind of teaching aids beyond a poorly constructed blackboard to help stimulate the children’s minds. Any improved facilities a school undertakes must be paid for through increased fees which schools are very reluctant to do.
Primary School
Children in Primary school take four main subjects, English, Maths, Science and Social Studies and subject that includes Geography, History and Religious studies (NB no social engineering). If the school is able there is also an option of taking Agriculture as a fifth subject.
The term fee for a lower primary is ugx 60,000 ($A25) and for an upper primary ugx 100,000 ($A40)
The term fee for a lower primary is ugx 60,000 ($A25) and for an upper primary ugx 100,000 ($A40)
Secondary School
Children in secondary school take a wide variety of subjects with English, Maths and Science (Biology, chemistry and physics) as the key subjects.
The term fee for a secondary school child is ugx 150,000 (abt $A60).
The term fee for a secondary school child is ugx 150,000 (abt $A60).
Vocational Training
Vocational training is a very important option, especially for children who are more practical based learners or keen to enter a specific vocation. There are potential employment opportunities in tailoring, hairdressing, catering, carpentry and mechanic,
Entry into a vocational training course requires some academic achievement which along with the cost can be a limiting factor for children from poor families. Several of the BrightHope sponsored children are undertaking vocational training.
The fee for a course is in the order of ugx 250,000 (abt $A90) per term.
Entry into a vocational training course requires some academic achievement which along with the cost can be a limiting factor for children from poor families. Several of the BrightHope sponsored children are undertaking vocational training.
The fee for a course is in the order of ugx 250,000 (abt $A90) per term.
Tertiary Education
Students who pass their secondary school with highest grades may go onto tertiary institutions where they can study for degrees and diplomas such as in nursing. It is understood the Government provides a limited number of university scholarships and sponsorships to other tertiary institutions the demand cannot be met. BrightHope is able to provide some support for students to undertake tertiary education.
The fee to undertake:
The fee to undertake:
- Teacher training is in the order of ugx 300,000 (abt $A110) per term.
- University/Nurse training is in the order of ugx 4,000,000 (abt $1,800) per year.
Charles with his proud Mum after graduation with an Information Technology degree