NEBBI, April 16, 2025 –– A consortium of non-governmental organisations [NGOs], including CEFORD, Nebbi NGO Forum, and Life Concern, with funding from the Switzerland-based NGO, CO-OPERAID, has embarked on a vigorous initiative to enhance the capacity of primary and nursery school teachers in Zombo district, West Nile Subregion.
This marks the launch of Phase II of the “Alochi Ku Somo” project, a three-year programme that commenced on January 1, 2025 and will run until December 2027, with a budget of Shs 4.8 billion.
Phase I of the project, implemented with a slightly smaller budget of Shs 4.2 billion, began in 2022. It focused on improving academic performance and learner retention, primarily through teacher capacity building, classroom and staff quarter upgrades, and youth skilling initiatives.
In Phase II, the project will continue infrastructure improvements across seven schools: Pagisi Primary School in Paidha Sub-county; Mvugu Lower Primary and Mvule Primary Schools in Paidha Town Council; Pei Primary School in Warr Sub-county; Warr Public Primary School in Warr Town Council; and Nyandima and Angalarach Primary Schools in Atyak Sub-county.
In a related development, the project has recognised outstanding education stakeholders by awarding one school director and ten teachers. The goal is to build their capacity so that they can share best practices and skills with other schools in their respective sub-counties.
Paula Wathum, Director of Cana Primary School, was recognised as the best school director and awarded Shs 2 million. Ten teachers were each awarded Shs 1.5 million, and each of their respective schools received Shs 1 million.
Awarded teachers included: Gatrud Giramia – Nguthe Primary School, Jerry Kisarach – Uwinyupyelo Primary School, Dickson Ocan – Atyak Primary School, Felix Adrap – Ukemu Primary School, Gloria Yikpamungu – Pagisi Primary School, Patrick Binega – Got-Cam Primary School, and Grace Cwinyaai Atimango – Pei Primary School
Speaking at the awards ceremony held on April 14, 2025 at the Nebbi NGO Forum offices in Paidha Town Council, Alfred Ogenmungu, Project Officer for Alochi Ku Somo, emphasised the importance of the financial support.
“This money is meant to improve both yourselves and your learners,” Ogenmungu said.
Samuel Ochaki, the Zombo District Community Development Officer and chair of the jury for selecting beneficiaries, noted that many schools in the district remain in dire need of rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Silvio Jalar, Zombo District Inspector of Schools, urged teachers to take their responsibilities seriously by maintaining punctuality and professionalism.
“Help our learners to pass assessments, become intelligent and skilful, and have a big heart,” he implored the award recipients.
John Paskal Wapokurwa, a representative of the Alur Kingdom, praised the initiative, acknowledging that poor learner performance in the kingdom remains a challenge due to multiple factors.
Best school director awardee Paula Wathum expressed her gratitude and revealed that she plans to use the award money to pay her tuition at Kyambogo University.
“We have fostered teamwork among teachers, pupils, the PTA, SMC, and the wider community,” Wathum said.
Through collaboration with district authorities and community input, Phase I of the Alochi Ku Somo project led to the construction and renovation of 21 classroom blocks and staff houses. Community members contributed materials such as bricks, sand, stones, and water, while CO-OPERAID provided the financial support necessary for infrastructure development.
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