THE NEED
Kirika District: A Community in Need
Kirika is situated in the eastern part of Uganda, within Kibuku District, and is known for its remoteness and underprivileged conditions. The name "Kirika" comes from the term "bush," reflecting its past as a rugged and undeveloped area. Historically overlooked, Kirika has struggled with poverty, inadequate educational facilities, and a lack of medical services. Despite progress in other regions, Kirika remains marginalized due to its isolation and historical neglect—underscoring the need for focused support to enhance the lives of its residents.
In Kibuku District, ECCOU recognizes that children are the most vulnerable, especially those orphaned or infected by HIV/AIDS. These vulnerable children often lack choices, and their rights are violated. The challenges faced by orphaned and street children in Kibuku—and Uganda at large—are multifaceted. Poverty exacerbates their struggles, leaving them unable to care for themselves. Non-AIDS orphans also face vulnerability.
Despite efforts such as Universal Primary Education (UPE), many children in Kibuku District still struggle to access quality education due to financial constraints. Scholastic materials such as uniforms, books, and pencils remain unaffordable for many at the primary level.
In Kibuku District, pupils who were promoted to Primary Seven despite poor performance in government-aided primary schools are now being asked to repeat the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program. The move aims to improve academic performance after the district recorded a high failure rate of 31.5 percent in the 2023 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). Out of 5,151 PLE candidates, only 76 passed. Mr. Augustine Moleka Majanga, Secretary for the Health and Education Committee of Kibuku District Council, explained that pupils who had been automatically promoted to Primary Seven failed to score more than 200 marks in the four subjects and are now repeating Primary Six. (Source: Daily Monitor, 7th February 2024)
Among other issues here are the key issues to highlight in that summary of the article:
- High Failure Rate: Kibuku District recorded a high failure rate of 31.5 percent in the 2023 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). Out of 5,151 PLE candidates, only 76 passed.
- Minimum Skills and Competencies: The move to repeat pupils aims to improve academic performance, as those who were automatically promoted to Primary Seven failed to score more than 200 marks in the four subjects.
ECCOU INTERVATION
The organization aims to complement government efforts in aiding orphans and needy children. ECCOU collaborates closely with the Kibuku district communities and seeks partnerships with other Non-Government Organizations (NGO) to address these issues. ECCOU support orphans by providing primary education, secondary education, and vocational education by:
- Ensuring access to quality education by covering tuition fees
- Providing balanced diets to enhance resistance to diseases.
- Offering shelter and medical care
Imparting moral values and spiritual support