In short
Ronald Ssebuyungo, a parent in Kikamulo Sub County, says unless the government fully facilitates and motivates teachers, nursery education may not create any impact.
Nakaseke district has okayed the introduction of pre-primary education in government aided primary schools in abide to improve the quality of education. In 2007, Ministry of Education and Sports launched the early childhood development policy and curriculum to aid the implementation of pre-primary education.
A few schools in Nakaseke had introduced pre-primary sections, before the policy was launched. As a result, the schools were operating without licensing and supervision by the education department. Steven Batanudde, the Nakaseke District Education Officer, says some of the nursery schools were operating in churches, rented houses, mosques, tree shades and other dilapidated structures since they were not recognised by the district.
He however, says the education department has now decided to formalise nursery education and directed government schools to establish nursery sections in a bid to provide children with a good foundation. Last year, Nakaseke Education Department and Ministry of Education trained teachers on how to handle young learners.
However, the Education Officer says they will only license schools that meet the minimum standards stipulated in the Education Act 2008.
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Batanudde however, says parents will pay for the pre-education until the Education Ministry introduces Universal Nursery Education.
Andrew Lubega, the coordinator of UWEZO in Greater Luweero region, says 2014 UWEZO assessment report showed that pupils who passed through nursery education recorded higher literacy and numeracy skills.
The report revealed that 9 out 10 pupils who passed through nursery education passed the English test compared to 5 out 10 who didn't attend pre-primary education.
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Teachers and parents have welcomed the formalisation of nursery education but expressed concern over its implementation. Kizito Ssempaka, the chairperson Uganda National Teachers Union, Nakaseke branch explains that parents may misinterpret the formalization of nursery education and refuse to pay fees for their children.
According to Ssempaka, there is need to sensitise parents to pay fees and to provide scholastic materials for their children if nursery education is to yield results. Some head teachers who preferred anonymity, says they will take time to start the nursery section in their schools because of the huge funds involved.
Ronald Ssebuyungo, a parent in Kikamulo Sub County, says unless the government fully facilitates and motivates teachers, nursery education may not create any impact. Ssebuyungo says some parents prefer free things while others haven't appreciated the need for their children to pass through nursery education.
According to the 2015 Primary Leaving Examination results only 294 pupils passed in division one, 1661 in division two, 938 in division three and 611 in division four. The results also indicate that 715 pupils were ungraded and another 166 didn't sit examinations.
A few schools in Nakaseke had introduced pre-primary sections, before the policy was launched. As a result, the schools were operating without licensing and supervision by the education department. Steven Batanudde, the Nakaseke District Education Officer, says some of the nursery schools were operating in churches, rented houses, mosques, tree shades and other dilapidated structures since they were not recognised by the district.
He however, says the education department has now decided to formalise nursery education and directed government schools to establish nursery sections in a bid to provide children with a good foundation. Last year, Nakaseke Education Department and Ministry of Education trained teachers on how to handle young learners.
However, the Education Officer says they will only license schools that meet the minimum standards stipulated in the Education Act 2008.
// Cue in: "The purpose….
Cue out…nursery school"//
Luganda byte
//Cue in: "Ogenda notuuka …
Cue out:…oba olibanyiyisa"//
Batanudde however, says parents will pay for the pre-education until the Education Ministry introduces Universal Nursery Education.
Andrew Lubega, the coordinator of UWEZO in Greater Luweero region, says 2014 UWEZO assessment report showed that pupils who passed through nursery education recorded higher literacy and numeracy skills.
The report revealed that 9 out 10 pupils who passed through nursery education passed the English test compared to 5 out 10 who didn't attend pre-primary education.
//Cue in: "Our report…
Cue out:… there are not"//
Luganda Audio
// Cue in: "Ebimu kubyetazula…
Cue out:…aga gavumenti''//
Teachers and parents have welcomed the formalisation of nursery education but expressed concern over its implementation. Kizito Ssempaka, the chairperson Uganda National Teachers Union, Nakaseke branch explains that parents may misinterpret the formalization of nursery education and refuse to pay fees for their children.
According to Ssempaka, there is need to sensitise parents to pay fees and to provide scholastic materials for their children if nursery education is to yield results. Some head teachers who preferred anonymity, says they will take time to start the nursery section in their schools because of the huge funds involved.
Ronald Ssebuyungo, a parent in Kikamulo Sub County, says unless the government fully facilitates and motivates teachers, nursery education may not create any impact. Ssebuyungo says some parents prefer free things while others haven't appreciated the need for their children to pass through nursery education.
According to the 2015 Primary Leaving Examination results only 294 pupils passed in division one, 1661 in division two, 938 in division three and 611 in division four. The results also indicate that 715 pupils were ungraded and another 166 didn't sit examinations.
