Makerere urged to conduct research
Feb 10, 2009
MAKERERE University has been urged to undertake research on how to improve academic performance and literacy across the country.
By Frank Mugabi
MAKERERE University has been urged to undertake research on how to improve academic performance and literacy across the country.
The State minister for Gender, Rukia Nakadama, said the findings would supplement the Government’s decisions. She said the research should address the question of illiteracy.
“Sadly the elitist model locks out other forms of illiteracies that we have. It is an insult to say that all our people are illiterate because they may not speak English. †Nakadama said.
“There is evidence-based literacy in the countryside, for example many farmers have mastered the pattern and rhythm of nature through experience which they use as a calendar in their activities,†she said.
Nakadama was on Friday speaking at the closure of the first national inter-generational learner’s conference at Agobia Church of Uganda in Arua district.
The minister noted that illiteracy was one of the most formidable obstacles to development at both personal and national level and called for concerted efforts to eradicate it.
The week-long conference drew participants from across the country and as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was organised by Willy Ngaka, a lecturer at Makerere University, through his organisation, Uganda Rural Literacy and Community Development Association. Ngaka said the organisation uses literacy as a tool to help the poor improve their living conditions.
Prior to the conference, over 1,500 patients received free treatment and medication for different ailments at a medical camp organised by the organisation.
MAKERERE University has been urged to undertake research on how to improve academic performance and literacy across the country.
The State minister for Gender, Rukia Nakadama, said the findings would supplement the Government’s decisions. She said the research should address the question of illiteracy.
“Sadly the elitist model locks out other forms of illiteracies that we have. It is an insult to say that all our people are illiterate because they may not speak English. †Nakadama said.
“There is evidence-based literacy in the countryside, for example many farmers have mastered the pattern and rhythm of nature through experience which they use as a calendar in their activities,†she said.
Nakadama was on Friday speaking at the closure of the first national inter-generational learner’s conference at Agobia Church of Uganda in Arua district.
The minister noted that illiteracy was one of the most formidable obstacles to development at both personal and national level and called for concerted efforts to eradicate it.
The week-long conference drew participants from across the country and as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was organised by Willy Ngaka, a lecturer at Makerere University, through his organisation, Uganda Rural Literacy and Community Development Association. Ngaka said the organisation uses literacy as a tool to help the poor improve their living conditions.
Prior to the conference, over 1,500 patients received free treatment and medication for different ailments at a medical camp organised by the organisation.