By Steven Masiga
While many schools are focused on collecting cash from parents, at Mbale High School, we prioritise achieving excellent results. Most of our learners excel in first-class and second-division grades, and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) has played a key role in ensuring that teachers are reasonably motivated to drive improved performance.
The seriousness of the PTA is reflected in the high attendance at the annual general meetings. Whenever parents are invited to discuss how administrators manage the school and the welfare of the students, there is always a 90% attendance rate. The parents are passionate about the needs of the learners and are willing to make any sacrifices to support proposals from the administrators aimed at enhancing learning in schools.
The PTA is a voluntary association of parents and teachers who come together to support the school’s learning environment. Their roles are multifaceted.
In Uganda, no institution is without a PTA in private or public schools. These associations bridge the gap between parents and teachers, bringing them together to participate in the school’s management. As parents, they are the first to contribute towards the needs of their children. Since parents are critical stakeholders, they help formulate and approve policies. For example, any proposal to increase fees is presented during PTA meetings, and parents, being the contributors, are allowed to suggest increments. Once the reasons are clearly explained, parents usually embrace the changes without hesitation.
The PTA has its constitution dictating how it participates in school affairs, but its policies must not contradict higher statutes such as the Education Act. PTAs monitor how their contributions towards the welfare of learners are utilised. In some cases, like at Mbale High School, PTA contributions have increased teacher welfare and even procured over 50 modern computers to enhance ICT learning.
When well supported, PTA associations are unmatched in their ability to meet the needs of learners. Many PTAs also engage in counselling students, guiding them to avoid negative behaviours that interfere with learning. While some Boards of Governors have been accused of corruption, PTAs—being voluntary associations—have positioned themselves at the forefront of fighting graft in various schools across Uganda.
PTAs serve as neutral parties between administrators and learners. Since they contribute financially to the school, both learners and teachers listen to them. The headteachers and headmistresses execute policies implemented by the PTA, and in the event of any breach, it is the PTA that should be held accountable, not the headteacher. Parents drive decisions regarding fee payments and other school charges based on what they believe their children need.
As parents, we are determined to mobilise resources to provide learners with the tools they need for academic success. Many PTAs have also resisted headteachers who charge exorbitant fees, especially in government-aided schools. Mbale High School, for example, charges the lowest fees in the country, as recorded by the Ministry of Education, with a fee of less than UGX 70,000—an amount we parents proposed. Our focus at Mbale High School is on academic success, not on collecting cash, unlike some other schools.
Under the leadership of Mr. Wambalo Stephen, who has been in charge for about three years, the school has made remarkable progress, causing nearby schools to take notice. Any future fee increments will be based on performance, and once parents see continued excellent results, they will contribute more willingly. Currently, the school consistently produces first-class and second-division grades in national exams, and both learners and teachers have impressed us as parents.
While many schools are focused on collecting money, Mbale High School is focused on harvesting results. In these challenging economic times, PTA associations should stand with parents and resist headteachers who charge over UGX 1,000,000 in government-aided schools.
The writer is the spokesperson for Inzu Yamasaba and the Executive PTA at Mbale High School.
