The Ministry of Education and Sports reports a significant challenge of teacher absenteeism and high dropout rates among learners in Uganda. Out of the annual enrollment of 1.9 million children in Primary One, less than 700,000 pupils sit for Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), with over a million children dropping out during their education.
Acknowledging the importance of teacher motivation, Mr. Ismail Mulindwa, the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, highlights the success of the Performance-Based Financing (RBF) initiative implemented by Cordaid in 50 public primary schools in Kamuli District. This initiative motivated teachers financially, leading to improved performance and increased enrollment.
During an end-of-project meeting in Kampala, Mr. Mulindwa expressed gratitude to Cordaid, an international relief organization supporting justice, education, health, and economic opportunities. He emphasized the need for government collaboration with the private sector and development partners to address challenges in the education sector.
Mr. Joseph Waibi, the Kamuli District Education Officer, noted that Performance-Based Financing encouraged teachers to be punctual, consistent, and hardworking, resulting in improved enrollment in Universal Primary Schools. Schools that effectively enrolled and retained children received bonuses, contributing to the prevention of dropouts.
Ms. Jessica Mukyala, head teacher of Nawansaso Primary School, and Ms. Esther Kale, head teacher of Bugulusi Primary School, shared success stories of increased enrollment and motivation among teachers through Cordaid’s support. They highlighted the positive impact on learners, including the provision of scholastic materials and improved access to classrooms for children with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, concerns were raised about the sustainability of the program. Ms. Heleen Van Der Beek, Cordaid County Director, expressed appreciation for the transformation in Kamuli but cited financial limitations for rolling out the program further. She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the government to sustain the program and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.
In response, Mr. Philips Lokwang, a member of the Education Committee in Parliament, emphasized the importance of teacher and learner motivation, stating that without it, investments in schools would be wasted.
| Positive Impacts of Cordaid’s Initiative | Concerns about Program Sustainability |
|---|---|
| – Improved teacher motivation and performance | – Financial limitations for program expansion |
| – Increased enrollment in targeted schools | – Encouragement for stakeholders to collaborate |
| – Provision of scholastic materials and improved access for learners with disabilities | – Emphasis on the role of government in program sustainability |
