Overcrowding, lack of desks crippling Arua city schools
The high enrolment, particularly in lower primary sections, has forced many learners to sit on the floor due to inadequate furniture.
The few available desks are prioritised for Primary Seven pupils, leading to overcrowding and reduced concentration, which negatively impacts learning outcomes. (File photo"0
Prossy Nankanja
Journalist @New Vision
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Most schools in Ayivu division, Arua city, are grappling with a severe shortage of desks and deteriorating infrastructure.
The high enrolment, particularly in lower primary sections, has forced many learners to sit on the floor due to inadequate furniture.
The few available desks are prioritised for Primary Seven pupils, leading to overcrowding and reduced concentration, which negatively impacts learning outcomes.
Ayivu division senior education officer Ronald Drani Bulea noted that while the recommended pupil-to-desk ratio is three to four students per desk, most schools in the division are struggling with six to seven pupils per desk, compromising the quality of education.
Ronald Munduni, the councillor representing Odulu’ba ward in Ayivu division, has urged the social services committee to gather accurate data on the availability of desks in schools to ensure proper planning.
Meanwhile, Jino Bakole, the councillor for Driwala ward, has called for an equitable distribution of desks, arguing that all schools face the same challenge.
Presenting the findings of a standing committee report, Arua city social services committee chairperson Ronald Dradria revealed that only a few schools in Ayivu had received desks.
Ayivu division has a total of 54 government-aided schools, all facing overwhelming enrolment pressures.