Speaking at the commissioning of the Irish funded classroom block in Moroto High school in Moroto district on Tuesday, Irish foreign affairs Michael Martin said the fund which will be released in a period of five years is part of the continuous support of the government of Ireland to Karamoja, a region with the highest rate of illiteracy in Uganda.
“The government of Ireland is committed to supporting education in Karamoja so that children can attain better knowledge necessary for development” he said.
Martin added that the only way to improve conditions of lives of people in a region like Karamoja was by strengthening learning institutions.
He said the fund will be used to renovate and create new structures in Karamoja schools. He also disclosed that more grants would be availed to Karimojong children who excel in education for scholarships so that they can catch up with other regions.
Irish ambassador to Uganda Kevin Kelly said the partnership between Uganda and Ireland in the areas of education was a great privilege. He said parents should help partners in the struggle by sending their children to school.
“I advise the parents in Karamoja to support our government by sending their children to school. It will be a waste of time and resources for a structure to be built without students” he said.
Education Minister Geraldine Bitamazire who accompanied the duo expressed gratitude towards their continued support.
“A lot has come from Ireland to support education in this country. We are even grateful that they are continuing with the generous support” she said.
Bitamazire urged students and teachers in the region to take education as priority number one, cautioning them against unnecessary strikes saying it is a ‘poison’ to education.
“The structures constructed should be guarded carefully. Burning school buildings through strikes retards development” Bitamazire said.
She revealed that a total of 13 selected schools and institutions in Karamoja have already benefited from the support through rehabilitation and expansion programmes.
Moroto High school head teacher Mr. Peter Luzige thanked government for linking the donors to Karamoja schools.
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