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In a significant boost for primary education in Zombo District, a consortium of local NGOs, alongside their Swiss partner, Co-operaid, has announced an extension of the “Aloci Ku Somu” project.

This project will span another three years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, focusing on supporting classroom expansion and skilling programmes within the district.

The collaboration includes Life Concern (LICO), Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CERFORD), Nebbi NGO Forum, and Co-operaid.

Following the successful implementation of Phase I, which involved the construction and renovation of 21 classroom blocks and staff houses, stakeholders identified a pressing need for continued investment in local education infrastructure.

Community-Driven Development and International Funding

In Phase I of the “Aloci Ku Somu” project, the community actively participated by providing essential construction materials such as bricks, sand, stones, and water.

Co-operaid financed the construction and renovation, marking the partnership as a model for community-driven development with international support.

During a recent press conference at County Cottages in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, Co-operaid Co-Director Marcel Auf der Maur confirmed the project’s extension, emphasising the significant and ongoing infrastructure needs in the region.

“We are currently in the midst of a three-year phase known as the ‘Alochi Ku Somu’ project. In the last two years, we supported 21 schools, and we will continue to do so for the next three years. The demand for infrastructure—such as new classrooms, renovations, sanitation facilities, and sports fields—remains high, and many schools face serious gaps in these areas,” said Auf der Maur.

The funding for Phase II is expected to be more substantial, underscoring Co-operaid’s longstanding commitment to supporting children’s right to education, a mission they have upheld since 1991. Phase I was implemented with a budget of UGX 4.2 billion, and the extended funding will enable a wider reach and impact.

Independent Jury and School Selection Process

To ensure that the project benefits the most deserving schools, the implementing partners established an independent jury. This seven-member panel, tasked with evaluating schools for eligibility, comprises representatives from various sectors, including legal, educational, cultural, media, youth, and community organisations.

The jury elected Samuel Ochaki as the chairperson, with Rosemary Onyutha as vice-chairperson and Silvio Jalar as secretary.

Project Coordinator John Bosco Okaya urged the jury to remain impartial during the vetting process, advising them to prioritise schools based on need, free from political or religious biases. “We want you to vet the schools regardless of political and religious affiliations so that the needy communities benefit,” stated Okaya.

District and Community Engagement

The local government has shown active support for this initiative. Zombo District Education Inspector Silvio Jalar highlighted recent financial contributions from the district government, which include UGX 60 million for Adusi Primary School and UGX 50 million for Uturgang Boys Primary School to support infrastructure development.

“The local government has committed UGX 68 million this fiscal year to various schools. This support is intended to complement donor efforts and showcase our commitment to improving the district’s education system,” Jalar explained.

District LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu praised Life Concern and Co-operaid for their efforts in retaining students, recognising the impact of their work over the past two years.

“This is commendable work on behalf of the district, and I encourage Life Concern to continue lobbying for educational support in Zombo,” said Oyullu.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Grace Atim also acknowledged the positive shift in education standards due to Co-operaid’s intervention.

She encouraged Life Concern to keep seeking additional funding to support educational needs in Zombo District. “Life Concern, continue to seek support from funders to enhance education in Zombo District,” Atim urged.

Current Education Landscape and Challenges

Zombo District faces a high dropout rate, with limited infrastructure to support its growing student population.

According to the Uganda National Schools Electronic Registry, there are 111 primary schools within the district. Many of these schools suffer from overcrowding, leading to makeshift classrooms and inadequate learning conditions.

In April, during a visit to Aluka Secondary School, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Joyce Moriko Kaducu, highlighted the pressing need for new classrooms across the country.

She noted that rising student populations and outdated school designs have exacerbated these challenges.

One school that has recently benefited from the project is Oturgang Boys Primary School in Paidha Town Council, where classrooms were renovated to provide a safer and more conducive learning environment.

Future of the “Aloci Ku Somu” Project

With Phase II of the “Aloci Ku Somu” project now confirmed, Zombo District stands to benefit from further classroom expansion, skilling programs, and essential infrastructure improvements.

The continued collaboration between local NGOs, community members, and international partners like Co-operaid offers hope for a brighter future for students in the district.