KASESE- Effects of climate change have started threatening the lives of learners and the learning process in Kasese district. Since this year began, more than three learning institutions have been severely affected following a strong windstorm, leading to a huge destruction.
The latest institution of learning to be affected is Kinyamaseke primary school in Kinyamaseke Town Council where a three classroom block accommodating 400 pupils was blown off by a strong windstorm accompanied by hailstones.
Early this year, Ibuga prison primary school was blown off and more than 100 iron sheets, labour and other materials were needed for renovation. In February, Kahendero Primary School in Muhokya Town Council was also destroyed.
However, it was discovered that all the three buildings at these schools were old and this could have paved way for the strong winds to blow them off.
Deforoza Masika, the Head teacher at Kinyamaseke Primary School explained that the classroom block was among the first structures that were constructed when the premises started serving as a college.
Masika added that the learning process at the school had been jeopardized, adding that after the incident the affected pupils were mixed with learners from other classes hence competing for space.
According to Masika, the poor sitting arrangement currently being faced in classroomswill definitely affect the writing posture of the learners.
Currently, Kinyamaseke Primary School has an enrollment of 1,120 pupils but without enough furniture and space, a reason why other learners are forced to study under the trees and others are being attended to in a temporary tent.
Mr. John Rugarama, the District Senior Education Officer in-charge of Special Needs concurred with the administration at Kinyamaseke Primary School that the education department was being threatened by the effects of climate change.
Rugarama who said government was currently renovating a total number of 66 primary schools across the district quickly stated that the funds were not enough to work on all the identified schools.
Hon. Yonasani Kisole, the Chairperson for the Social Services Committee at Kasese District Local Government disclosed that almost all the 265 government grant-aided schools across the district need serious renovations.
It is against this background that Kisole who is also the District Councilor representing Kitholhu sub-county reminded the foundation boards to own the schools that they established rather than leaving everything to the government.
In other news, Justice Livelihoods Health, a Nongovernmental Organization operating in Kasese has embarked on training religious and cultural leaders across the district so that they too join the campaign against Gender Based Violence.
Yesterday, the organization conducted a one – day training session that targeted leaders from the sub-counties of Karusandara, Munkunyu, Nyakiyumbu and the three divisions of Kasese Municipality at Kasese Central Baptist Church in Kasese town.
Ms Jackline Akong, the Gender trainer at Justice Livelihoods Health observed that the religious and cultural leaders were key in preventing and addressing issues related to Gender Based Violence in their respective communities, adding that they are respected and trusted by the people that they lead.
According to her, the leaders can use their moral authority to condemn cases of Gender Based Violence and promote values of respect, equality, and compassion using their various platforms.
Mr. Joshua Kasengya the Senior Project Coordinator at the Justice Livelihoods Health revealed that the program would benefit leaders from all the denominations.
