Karimojong shun boarding school

By Joseph Orisa

Parents in Lokitelaebu parish, Kotido sub-county in Kotido district have refused to send their children to a boarding school in the area.

They chose to abandon the newly constructed boarding section, claiming they could not afford the sh30, 000 charged per child for upkeep.

The boarding section of Lokitelaebu Primary School that was constructed last year by the Italian Co-operation is fully equipped with running water, power, 80 beds and mattresses but has attracted only six pupils.

According to the head teacher, Marion Arion, the twin boarding section block worth over sh200m was built after parents requested for it to address the problem of many school drop-outs.

“We have even lowered boarding fees from sh40, 000 to sh30, 000 per term thinking that it would attract the children but parents have shunned it,” Arion said last week.

He said the sh30, 000 was a contribution to cater for firewood, pay the cooks and the matron. Food, medical care and beddings are free of charge.