Briefs

ImprovementPALLISA–––primary leaving examinations (PLE) performance in the district has improved by 150%. Mr. Charles Okol, the district inspector of schools (DIS) has attributed it to massive change in school supervision. Last year, 210 PLE candidates passed in Division I in Pallisa district compared to 101 the previous year.------Girls literacyMBARARA–––The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Sarah Bananuka, has urged parents to send their daughters to school. She said this would increase the number of women politicians. 51.1% women are illiterate making it difficult for more women to be national leaders. ------UPE excels by 50%KAMPALA––The Universal Primary Education (UPE) performance in Kampala schools went up by 50% in PLE this year, compared to last year.This was disclosed by Ms Sarah Nkonge, Kampala Secretary for Education and Sport.------Community polytechnicsKAMULI––Ms Betty Akech, state minister for higher education, has called for establishment of community polytechnics or community skills training centres in every subcounty. Akech noted that these would cater for the increased number of UPE graduands, the disadvantaged, and school dropouts. ------Adult syllabusKAMPALA––Develop-ment of a curriculum for adult learners is in advanced stages. “A curriculum will streamline content for adult literacy because before instructors would teach in an adhoc method,” Mr Patrick Kiirya, Director of Literacy and Adult Basic Education (LABE) said.------DevelopmentJINJA––The Inhebantu of Busoga, Mrs Alice Muloki, has urged her subjects to supports girls’ education. She said this will go a long way in fighting poverty. “Girl- child education is the best practical approach to change for progressive community development,” she noted.------Illegal schools growingKASESE––Parents have been warned about illegal private secondary schools in the district, whose proprietors only want to make money. Mr Douglas Katemba, the district education officer (DEO) sounded the warning while addressing education stakeholders in Kasese.The key stakeholders at the meeting included