Support UPE for social change
Aug 20, 2008
UNIVERSAL Primary Education (UPE) has been a milestone in education. Research shows that all developed countries invested heavily in education. For example, Japan does not have natural resources but the human resource catapulted it to development.
By Mukose Mutabaali
UNIVERSAL Primary Education (UPE) has been a milestone in education. Research shows that all developed countries invested heavily in education. For example, Japan does not have natural resources but the human resource catapulted it to development.
India, North Korea and China are other examples that benefited from a skilled population. Uganda has also set an example in the region by promoting education-for-all. In Busoga, few children had access to education before 1997.
Education plays a vital role in imparting skills and understanding of values of different communities. It encourages transformational thinking that helps a country to nurture patriotic leaders and sustainable development.
UPE is a clear manifestation of what President Yoweri Museveni promised Ugandans when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) captured power in 1986. When UPE started, it catered for four children per family but now it covers every child.
The number of primary school pupils before the inception of UPE in 1997 stood at 2.7 million. The number has grown to 7.8 million as at December 31, 2007. Statistics from the Uganda National Examinations Board indicate that that 80% of pupils who sat for PLE examinations passed.
Because of the successful i mplementation of the UPE, the rate of transition from primary has increased by 31%.
In terms of gender analysis, the transition rate of girls has increased from 57% to 71 % and that boys from 49% to 67%. This has increased the demand for more secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Consequently, the literacy rate has risen from 42% in 1986 to 70% today.
The dramatic increase in the number of tertiary institutions is meant to empower Ugandans with skills that will be applied in different departments of government.
This has come because of the focused and visionary leadership of the NRM. Education as common good should be guarded by everybody despite challenges of a big teachers-student ratio, scarcity of classrooms and poor pay for teachers.
All leaders must work hard to promote free primary and secondary education. As members of Parliament, our role is to make laws that will accelerate government policies to benefit the citizens.
UNIVERSAL Primary Education (UPE) has been a milestone in education. Research shows that all developed countries invested heavily in education. For example, Japan does not have natural resources but the human resource catapulted it to development.
India, North Korea and China are other examples that benefited from a skilled population. Uganda has also set an example in the region by promoting education-for-all. In Busoga, few children had access to education before 1997.
Education plays a vital role in imparting skills and understanding of values of different communities. It encourages transformational thinking that helps a country to nurture patriotic leaders and sustainable development.
UPE is a clear manifestation of what President Yoweri Museveni promised Ugandans when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) captured power in 1986. When UPE started, it catered for four children per family but now it covers every child.
The number of primary school pupils before the inception of UPE in 1997 stood at 2.7 million. The number has grown to 7.8 million as at December 31, 2007. Statistics from the Uganda National Examinations Board indicate that that 80% of pupils who sat for PLE examinations passed.
Because of the successful i mplementation of the UPE, the rate of transition from primary has increased by 31%.
In terms of gender analysis, the transition rate of girls has increased from 57% to 71 % and that boys from 49% to 67%. This has increased the demand for more secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Consequently, the literacy rate has risen from 42% in 1986 to 70% today.
The dramatic increase in the number of tertiary institutions is meant to empower Ugandans with skills that will be applied in different departments of government.
This has come because of the focused and visionary leadership of the NRM. Education as common good should be guarded by everybody despite challenges of a big teachers-student ratio, scarcity of classrooms and poor pay for teachers.
All leaders must work hard to promote free primary and secondary education. As members of Parliament, our role is to make laws that will accelerate government policies to benefit the citizens.