Leaders and other stakeholders in Isingiro district and Nakivale Refugee Settlement have called on development partners to allocate more funds to boost education standards in the settlement schools.

According to some of the leaders, educating refugees will fight insecurity in the region. 

Isingiro district inspector of schools Everist Byaruhanga says much as different partners have done tremendous work to support education programmes in Nakivale and other settlements in the country, a lot is still needed, especially to improve structures in refugee schools which they say are not yet conducive to support learning processes.

Juru Primary School headteacher Peninah Tushemerirwe believes such support will not only help refugees but also host communities, who educate their children in refugee-based schools. 

The leaders made the call on Wednesday, May 23, 2024, during the Education Cannot Wait (ECW)-FER project close-out meeting. The meeting which was attended by different stakeholders including programme partners took place at Nakivale Secondary School.

President lauded

Isingiro deputy Resident District Commissioner Bonaventure Rwantangabo said the project is helpful and thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his spirit of Pan-Africanism to allow refugee settlement in Uganda. 

"By educating these children it's one way of fighting insecurity in their countries because when they return home, they will use the acquired skills to better their countries," he said.

Justine Gonza, the assistant commandant based in Rubondo, appreciated different partners in the consortium for securing funds that especially supported education of refugees and the host communities.

Byaruhanga hailed the good job done by partners, especially in refugee communities singling out bridging the language gap: “Education standards in refugees’ schools have greatly improved and as a district we are very happy and we thank these partners and call for more support".

A step towards sustainable education 

According to Dixon Odur, the media and communications co-ordinator at Norwegian Refugee Council, ECW has been a lifeline for children and youth affected by emergencies and protracted crises, providing access to education in challenging environments. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), as part of the ECW consortium project, he said has played a crucial role in ensuring that children in Isingiro, Nakivale, and Rhino settlements have access to education opportunities.

He said the decision to close the project was a strategic move towards sustainable education initiatives in the region and signifies the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and impact in the lives of countless children and youth.

The achievements of the ECW project, he says, are significant and commendable. Improved access to education, retention of learners, and support for children with disabilities are just some of the milestones that have been reached. Through formal and non-formal education programmes, more boys, girls, and children with disabilities have been able to enroll and attend school, paving the way for a brighter future.

The leaders said it is crucial to ensure that the impact of the ECW project is sustained and expanded and called for collaborative efforts between local communities, governments, NGOs and international organisations. This, they added, will be essential in continuing to support education for children and youth in crisis-affected areas.  

“As we bid farewell to this project, let us look towards the future with optimism and determination to build a world where all children have access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances," he added.