While some schools are still charging parents fees, Mbale High School is focused on achieving excellent results. A majority of our students have excelled in first and second division, thanks in part to the PTA’s efforts to motivate teachers.
The seriousness of PTAs is evident in the high attendance at their annual general meetings. Parents and teachers actively participate in discussing school management and student welfare.
Parents are deeply committed to their children’s education and are willing to make sacrifices to support school initiatives. They actively participate in decision-making, including approving fee structures.
PTAs are voluntary associations that play a crucial role in supporting the learning environment in schools. Every school in Uganda, public or private, has a PTA. These associations bring together parents and teachers to manage the school. Parents are keen to contribute to their children’s education and are involved in formulating and approving school policies.
PTAs have their own constitutions, but these must not conflict with existing laws like the Education Act. PTAs monitor how their contributions are used and have been instrumental in improving teacher welfare and school facilities.
For example, Mbale High School has purchased over 50 modern computers to support ICT learning, thanks to PTA contributions.
When well-supported, PTAs can significantly impact student outcomes. Many PTAs are involved in counseling students to prevent negative behaviors that hinder learning.
While PTAs are voluntary associations, they have sometimes taken on the roles of governing boards. In some cases, where governing boards have been accused of corruption, PTAs have stepped in to address these issues.
PTAs serve as intermediaries between administrators and students, providing guidance to both. As neutral parties and contributors to school finances, they are respected by both students and teachers.
Headteachers must implement policies set by PTAs. It is unfair to hold headteachers accountable for policy breaches when it is the PTAs that should be held responsible. Any fee increases or charges are proposed by PTAs, reflecting the needs of students.
As stakeholders in their children’s education, parents are committed to providing resources to support learning. Many PTAs have resisted attempts by headteachers to charge excessive fees, especially in government-aided schools.
Mbale High School, under the leadership of Mr. Wambalo Stephen, has achieved remarkable results. The school charges one of the lowest fees in the country, thanks to PTA initiatives. Future fee increases will be linked to performance.
While many schools prioritize fee collection, Mbale High School focuses on achieving excellent results. In the face of economic challenges, PTAs should advocate for parents and resist excessive fee charges imposed by headteachers in government-aided schools.
The writer is the spokesperson for Inzuymasaba and the executive PTA of Mbale High School.
