Rubiira Primary School in Isingiro District has registered 102 pupils, two weeks after schools opened for the Third Term. According to records, the school has an enrollment of 520 pupils.
Elizabeth Ampuraire the School headteacher says by Tuesday, they had received 102 pupils with only 9 out of 17 in Primary Seven. She says people on the island believe that education is a waste of time and money because they are used to fishing, and making bricks. The school is located on Rubiira Island on Lake Nakivale.
According to Ampuraire, access to the school by the teachers and learners is difficult since they have to use canoes. She adds that teachers who have been posted to the school seek to be transferred due to the conditions.
Ampuraire says that parents have also held back their children from planting since the area is receiving rain.
Lauben Asiimwe the Chairperson of Kabiira IICell says transport is the major challenge affecting the enrollment at the school. He says the school gets pupils from the greater Kabiira and Nyamwasha Parishes who sail about 10 Kilometers. He adds that some use two boats to cross the two rivers surrounded by papyrus reeds.
Robert Tumwebaze another parent says they are challenged by the lack of transport to and from school. He explains that they pay 2,000 Shillings every day for the boat service.
Pastor John Habirimana a parent at the school says that since the rains have started, the children have to first do planting before going back to school.
Alone Turahi, the Isingiro LCV Chairperson says they approved a resolution to create a special fund to purchase an engine boat which will be a very big relief because learners suffer to cross the water.
He adds that in the same resolution the councilors asked him to write to the Ministry of Local Government to consider Rubiira Island a hard-to-reach area to have special consideration from the central government.
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