Summary:
- Grace Alupo, an ICT teacher at the school, explained in an interview with our reporter that the current computer-to-student ratio makes learning difficult.
KATAKWI: At Pricilla Comprehensive Secondary School in Katakwi District, 876 students are grappling with limited access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources, with only 30 computers available for use. This shortage has raised alarm among school authorities.
A recent school report highlights the inadequate ICT equipment available, noting that 29 students are forced to share a single computer.
Grace Alupo, an ICT teacher at the school, explained in an interview with our reporter that the current computer-to-student ratio makes learning difficult.
“With 876 students and only 30 computers, it becomes a real challenge,” she said.
Alupo added that the shortage of computers has led to the need for teaching in shifts, with 30 to 50 students per session, to ensure that each learner has the opportunity to use the computers. This, she said, has delayed assessments and hindered effective teaching, especially since the new learner-centered curriculum requires more practical, hands-on ICT training.
Despite having other teaching resources in place, Alupo emphasized that the school urgently needs between 50 and 100 additional computers to meet the needs of the students. The current shortage has prompted calls for intervention from both the government and educational stakeholders.
Charles Opio, the school’s ICT prefect, echoed these concerns. “We are unable to keep up with the demands of the digital world,” he said. “Students are learning in shifts because of the lack of computers, which affects the quality of education.”
Deborah Asekenye, the head prefect of Pricilla Girls Secondary School and an S3 student, also voiced her concerns, urging the government to provide more computers to rural schools so that students can access quality ICT education.
Teddy Adeko, the head teacher of Pricilla Girls Secondary School, expressed similar worries. “With an increase in student enrollment, we need to upgrade our computer facilities to match the demands of modern education,” she said. “It’s essential that we integrate more digital tools, including developing school websites to share important events and updates.”
“We are really struggling with the computer-to-student ratio,” Adeko added. “It’s impacting our ability to deliver effective ICT lessons.”
In response to the crisis, Hon. Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV (Local Council Vice-Chairperson) for Katakwi District, stated that he would work to lobby the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to address the school’s ICT needs.
“As a district, we don’t have a specific budget for secondary schools, but we will forward the necessary requests to the central government for support,” Omolo said.
Meanwhile, Angella Atim Mudong, the District Education Officer (DEO) for Katakwi, acknowledged the challenges facing the district’s education department.
“We are dealing with numerous requirements, but we are coordinating with higher authorities to find solutions to these problems,” Mudong said.
