KARAMOJA SUB REGION CONSOLIDATED APPEAL 2010 UGANDA: MAY-AUGUST PROGRESS CHART

A combination of various factors restrains access to education for children in Karamoja, resulting in low enrolment numbers. This includes a semi-nomadic lifestyle, limited livelihood options requiring children to take up labour and general community attitudes towards the importance of education, putting it as a secondary activity to cattle-herding and domestic chores. Food insecurity as a result of a changing climate further sees parents to withdraw their children from school in order to seek for alternative livelihood within and outside the region.

Although both formal and non-formal education is provided, the quality is still poor and characterized by inadequate class rooms, overcrowded classes, inadequate/lack of furniture, water and sanitary facilities in schools, inadequate instructional materials, high pupil-teacher ratio, and inadequate support supervision by inspectorate department. There is need for regular support supervision and school inspections aimed at ensuring all schools meet the minimum standards and improving the learning environment in schools and centers.

Despite the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Non Formal Education (ABEK), 60% of children remain out of school. Continuous dialogue and engagement with communities and leaders to discuss the factors that limit children's participation and attendance in school and plan holistic programming is important. This requires coordination among different stakeholders in order to avoid duplication of interventions.