Education in Uganda
Uganda has a 7-4-2 education system; 7 years of primary school, 4 years of high school and an additional 2 years for higher level qualifications equivalent to UK A' levels. Few students are able to take up places at college or university.
Students in Uganda value their education, and many families make great sacrifices to send their children to school. Classes are often of mixed ages, as it is common for students to have breaks in their education due to poverty or illness. Enrolment in primary schoolis 93% but only 52% complete primary school (DFID UKaid dfid.gov.uk/wherewework)
In recent years some free education has become available, but for most children it only covers primary level. Free primary education was introduced fairly recently and many students have returned to school at a later age. Unfortunately the success of the free primary education programme has led to difficulties, with large class sizes and shortages of teachers, books and materials.
Even where tuition is free, uniforms and equipment (books, pencils etc) must be paid for and in a region where few children have ever worn shoes these can be insurmountable expenses. Children are often essential within the household, where they help to grow food, care for livestock or look after babies or sick relatives - so just being without the child during the day is an added cost for the family.
Most high school students must pay fees, and for those in rural areas this means boarding fees too as the school may be too far away for daily travel. Some students attend vocational training courses but many are unable to access any post-primary education.
Education and training are especially important for young people who must support themselves from an early age but poverty, stigma and hopelessness lead to a high dropout rate amongst orphans and other vulnerable children particularly those from child or sibling-headed households who face huge challenges with little or no adult support.
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