Korean government supports education in Kabarole

The Korean government under the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with the Angels Haven, a non-governmental organization operating in Fort Portal, Kabarole district have constructed and equipped six libraries in Kabarole district.

All the libraries have been constructed in Primary Schools of Hakibale sub-county that have for long been affected by the high school dropout due to child labour and early marriage.

Figures indicate that most Schools in Hakibale have been losing at least 20% of their enrolment to tea factories in the area. Hakibale sub-county is one of the leading producers of tea with at least three factories.

Speaking during the District's schools reading competition held at Bunyonyi Primary School on Thursday, Patrick Rwakaikara the District Education Officer disclosed that there has been a great academic improvement in schools where the project is being implemented.

"The pupil's retention in these schools has greatly improved and because of the reading clubs that have been formed, the pupils are motivated to always visit these libraries to be able to read ahead of their teachers" Rwakaikara said.

Rwakaikara also commended the organization for aiding the girl child to stay in school by contributing some of the scholastic materials.

Joseph Rujumba, the district inspector of schools stressed the need for rolling the project to the other sub-counties of the district.

"This project needs to be rolled out to the entire district. This will help us to realize a very huge impact in the children's learning process" Rujumba said.

He also lauded the organization for contributing towards the teaching process by donating reference books to various schools.

Kim Young Sook , the project director said that their major target is to nurture reading culture among children.

"We want to improve the reading culture in all schools so that their academic performance can improve for the better" Kim said.

A total of six schools that included Muhangi Primary, Kiburara Primary, Kyairumba Primary, Komyamperre Primary, Kabende Primary and Bunyonyi Primary Schools participated in the reading competition.

Kiburara Primary School emerged the overall winner of the reading competitions followed by Komyamperre Primary School.