Ministry warns district leaders on selling learning material

EDUCATION   COVID-19

KAMPALA - The Education ministry has warned local leaders against selling learning materials, distributed to various parts of the country.

Alex Kakooza, the education ministry permanent secretary, said they have received reports about unscrupulous individuals who are charging unsuspecting parents exorbitant fees for study material.

The ministry developed the preparedness and Response Plan of the Education Sector to Covid-19 that focused in three areas, continuity of learning, the learning agenda and schooling after the lockdown for Primary and Secondary schools.

The self-study materials were printed and distributed by New Vision Printing and Publishers Company and handed over to the Resident District Commissioners and Chief Administrative Officers.  

The materials are intended to keep learners busy and engage their ability, skills and knowledge while at home. The material distribution was to prioritize learners that could not access lessons on radio and TV stations to continue learning.

 "I am grateful to the local governments which made arrangements to ensure that the study materials were distributed to the needy learners. However, it has been brought to my attention that some unscrupulous people have resorted to reprinting and photocopying the study materials and selling them to parents/learners at exorbitant prices," said Alex Kakooza, the education ministry permanent secretary.

Kakooza added that it is unacceptable since these materials were produced and distributed to be accessed by learners free of charge.

"There should be no sale of these study materials. If local governments or NGOs wish to print and distribute to more learners, it should be done at their own expense and not of the learner or parent," Kakooza said.

The ministry informs the general public not to buy the self-study materials from any person or company. Anyone who is found selling the material will be arrested.

"Continue to monitor the usability of the self-study materials. I am counting on you for the success of continuity of learning during the lockdown especially for the less privileged learners. No child should be left behind," noted Kakooza.

Vision Group started printing and delivering the revision materials to authorities in "hard to reach parts" of the country on behalf of the education ministry two weeks back.