Uwezo Uganda is conducting a large-scale learning assessment targeting more than 20,000 children across the country amid growing concern over declining literacy and numeracy levels in primary schools.
The assessment is being conducted in 29 districts and covers 435 villages and 10,440 households. It seeks to establish whether learners are acquiring the foundational skills necessary for progression in education, including literacy, numeracy, life skills and values.
The districts include Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Nwoya, Kakumiro, Kamwenge, Lyantonde, Napak and others. Early findings paint a worrying picture. A recent Uwezo survey indicates that at least 70 per cent of primary school learners in Uganda cannot write adequately, highlighting persistent gaps in foundational learning.
Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the executive director of Uwezo Uganda, said the assessment is expected to reach more than 20,000 children aged four to 16 years.
“As part of this year’s assessment, Uwezo Uganda is integrating the measurement of life skills and values alongside foundational learning. While the overall assessment targets children aged four to 16 years, the life skills and values assessment will be administered to children aged five to 16 years,” Nakabugo said.
“We believe that it is important for all children to acquire the foundations of literacy, numeracy, life skills and values; and that as citizens, we can work together to collectively improve children’s learning,” she added.
Field observations in Kikuube, Napak and Kakumiro districts illustrate the challenges facing learners in rural communities, with several children in lower primary unable to read simple words despite being enrolled in school.
Assessors also found that absenteeism remains a major obstacle to learning, with some children missing school during the rainy season to participate in agricultural activities such as planting crops.