The District Inspector of Schools, Francis Olwoch, expressed disappointment over the 2024 results, revealing that only 85 out of 3,418 pupils attained first grades, down from 95 in 2023.
Pader District authorities
are considering reforms in teacher transfer policies following poor Primary
Leaving Examination (PLE) results.
The District Inspector of Schools, Francis
Olwoch, expressed disappointment over the 2024 results, revealing that only 85
out of 3,418 pupils attained first grades, down from 95 in 2023.
Most of the top performers
were from private schools, raising concerns about the widening gap with
government-aided institutions. Olwoch blamed the poor performance on frequent
teacher transfers and weak school administration.
“Some teachers are
transferred after just a year, which disrupts stability and performance.
Transfers should happen only after five years,” he said. He also criticized
transfers influenced by personal interests, adding that teachers must be deployed
based on their commitment and merit.
//Cue in; “Peko ma aneno
matye…
Cue out; …on their level
of commitment.”//
Justine Abolo Okello,
chairperson of the head teachers’ association, stated that transfers are often motivated by money or personal
grievances. “If transfers are not done on merit, education in the district will
continue to decline,” Abolo warned.
//Cue in; “Ii Pader
district kop…
Cue out; …ming eno en pe
mito.”//
Former district secretary for
education, Dickson Ojok, revealed that some transfers occur without consulting
all stakeholders.
//Cue in; “Gin ma ladit
Olwoch…
Cue out; …politician mogo,
pe weng.”//
However, Pader District
Secretary for Education, Phillip Adonga Obalim, stated that there are challenges
in implementing transfers due to new salary payment policies. “We are waiting
for guidance from the Ministry of Education and Finance to address these
delays,” he said.
Obalim also insisted on the importance of following ministry
guidelines when it comes to transfers to ensure fairness and efficiency.
//Cue in; “Now, ka jomu
kene…
Cue out; …releasing tye
woko.”//
District statistics showed
a little improvement in second grades, rising from 1,079 in 2023 to 1,203 in
2024. However, the number of third and fourth graders reduced, while failures
dropped from 739 in 2023 to 657 in 2024. Pader employs 1,012 teachers in 107
government-aided schools. Olwoch urged stakeholders to collaborate and
prioritize stability in teacher management to improve PLE outcomes.