Nansana, Wakiso District – As students across the country returned to their classrooms for the second term, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. However, beneath the surface of excitement, school administrators and proprietors are grappling with significant operational challenges, primarily centered around finances and the implementation of the new curriculum.
For students like Samson Aguma, a senior six candidate at Exodus Secondary School in Ganda, Nansana, the focus is squarely on academics. "This is the busiest term," Aguma shared, expressing his readiness to dive into preparations for the crucial mock examinations.
His head teacher, Hebert Ssali, echoed this sentiment, outlining a packed term ahead. "We have a lot of co-curricular activities planned, including field trips, alongside the vital mock examinations," Ssali explained. He further emphasized that this term is critical for evaluating the progress of all students, particularly those who joined the school in the first term.
However, Ssali also shed light on the pressing concerns facing school management. The new curriculum, while aimed at enhancing practical learning, comes with considerable financial implications. "The curriculum has to be well studied," he noted, "since it involves a lot of expenditures on practical lessons."
Adding to the financial strain is a recent government directive instructing schools not to demand full school fees upfront for students in candidate classes. While intended to ease the burden on parents, this directive presents a challenge for schools reliant on these funds for day-to-day operations. Ssali stressed the need for collaboration, stating, "There must be a mutual understanding between parents and teachers" to navigate this sensitive issue.
As schools countrywide settle into the new term, the prevailing atmosphere is one of determined optimism. Yet, the underlying challenges underscore the need for continued dialogue and support to ensure a smooth and productive academic period for both educators and learners.
