Kitgum, Uganda | THE NORTHERN PRESS | Pajimo Agwena Primary School, situated in Akwang sub-county, approximately 19.5 kilometers along the Kitgum-Palabek road, is grappling with a pressing concern that jeopardizes the education and safety of its pupils.
The school’s infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, leaving the administration, teachers, and pupils in a state of distress.

The once-thriving school, which has been a beacon of hope for the local community, is now struggling to maintain a conducive learning environment. Crumbling classrooms, broken furniture, and inadequate facilities have become a harsh reality, posing a significant challenge to the school’s ability to provide quality education.

According to sources within the school, the administration has been struggling to secure funds to renovate and maintain the school’s infrastructure. Despite numerous appeals to the local authorities and education officials, the school’s pleas have largely gone unheeded.

The dilapidated state of the school’s structures is not only an eyesore but also a safety hazard. Pupils are exposed to the elements, with leaky roofs and crumbling walls providing little protection from the harsh weather conditions. The situation is further compounded by the lack of basic amenities, such as functional toilets and clean water.

The school’s administration, teachers, and parents are deeply concerned about the impact of the deteriorating infrastructure on the students’ academic performance and overall well-being. The situation is not only affecting the students’ ability to learn but also their self-esteem and confidence.

In an interview with the school’s headteacher, [Name], expressed her frustration and disappointment with the situation. “We have tried everything to get the attention of the authorities, but it seems like our cries are falling on deaf ears. We are doing our best with the limited resources we have, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for our students.”

The Pajimo Agwena Primary School’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many rural schools in Uganda. It highlights the need for increased investment in education infrastructure and the importance of supporting rural communities in their quest for quality education.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the school’s administration, teachers, and parents are calling on the government, local authorities, and education officials to intervene and provide the necessary support to renovate and maintain the school’s infrastructure.

The future of Pajimo Agwena Primary School’s students hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that urgent action is taken to address the school’s infrastructure challenges and ensure that these young minds have access to a safe, conducive, and supportive learning environment.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan