Aojapiro Parish in Abim District marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of its first Community Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) on 22nd May 2024, aiming to meet the educational needs of over 3,000 children. The event, supported by Share An Opportunity Uganda (SAO Uganda) and Help a Child, signifies a major step towards bridging the educational gap in the region.
The launch of the Aojapiro Community Nursery School, the district’s first dedicated early childhood education facility, drew attendance from government officials, community leaders, and parents. This initiative, reflecting the community’s dedication, saw each household contribute 50,000 shillings to purchase the land for the school.
“Today, we celebrate a pivotal achievement in our mission to ensure every child has access to quality education from the earliest stages of life,” stated Benon Kyome, National Director of SAO Uganda. He emphasized the center as a beacon of hope for the children’s future.
Aojapiro Parish, home to approximately 3,360 children, has long faced a severe shortage of educational facilities. The only primary school in the community is dilapidated, with the nearest alternative located 8 kilometers away. The new nursery school addresses this pressing need, providing a local solution to the community’s longstanding educational challenges.
Janet Grace Akech Okori, Woman MP for Abim District, urged the community to maintain the new facility. “Education is the key to unlocking our children’s potential. We must invest in their future by ensuring they receive quality education,” she said.
The ECD center aims to reduce the high dropout rates in the district. Currently, only about 15 out of every 40 children who enroll in nursery school transition to primary education due to inadequate teaching facilities and caregivers. The new center aims to create a stable and supportive learning environment to improve these statistics.
Racheal Kigame, Country Director of Help a Child Africa, highlighted the broader implications of educational access. “Education is the pathway to equality and opportunity. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education,” Kigame affirmed.
The leaders’ calls to action emphasized the collective commitment to prioritizing education as a cornerstone of development in Abim District. The Aojapiro Community Nursery School symbolizes the impact of community unity and a shared vision for the future, illuminating the path toward a future where every child can dream, learn, and thrive.
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