Orungo County in Amuria District has been grappling with poor academic performance and high rates of absenteeism among pupils, leading MP aspirant Emmy Ejuku Olaboro to take action.
Disturbed by the dismal results in the recent Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), where only four candidates attained first grade, Olaboro has stepped in to support schools by donating essential writing materials.
While handing over books to various schools in Orungo, Olaboro emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of poor performance.
He noted that a study conducted by his team revealed that many children had not reported back to school at the start of the term due to a lack of scholastic materials, including books, uniforms, shoes, and food.
“One of the major challenges identified was the lack of writing materials,” Olaboro stated.
“Many children testified that they had no exercise books, which made learning difficult. As a result, through my foundation, the Olaboro Emmy Ejuku Foundation, we prioritized providing books for the most vulnerable classes, from Primary One to Primary Four, where the majority of learners are enrolled.”
Olaboro acknowledged that many parents were struggling financially, making it difficult to provide for their children’s education needs.
“It is not that parents are completely unable, but due to prevailing poverty, they find it hard to afford these necessities. Our goal is to support these parents and ensure that children return to school and compete academically with their peers across the country.”
The initiative is expected to yield positive results by improving school attendance and performance.
Olaboro announced that additional learning materials specifically designed for pupils from Primary Five to Primary Seven would be distributed the following week to aid in exam preparation.
“We aim to improve the academic standards in our county,” he added.
“With only four first-grade candidates, the situation is unacceptable. We must work towards better performance by equipping our learners with the necessary materials.”
The donation drive has been well received by school administrators, parents, and community leaders.
James Okello, the head teacher of Odepe Community Primary School, which has 118 pupils and seven teachers, highlighted that many learners previously came to school without writing materials.
“Our school has been struggling with absenteeism and poor performance for years,” Okello said.
“This support will encourage pupils to attend school regularly and focus on their studies.”
Joseph Eumu, the Local Council I (LCI) chairperson of Odepe Village, praised Olaboro for his commitment to education.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to improved performance in schools.
Similarly, Ogwarat Primary School Management Committee Chairperson and LCI, Aregu Lawrence, commended the donation, saying it would motivate pupils to stay in school.
“Such support does not only improve education standards but also brightens the future of our learners,” he noted.
Patrick Olinga, a teacher at Ogwarat Primary School, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that some pupils had been skipping classes due to a lack of exercise books.
“With these materials, we expect a reduction in absenteeism and an increase in engagement in class activities,” Olinga remarked.
Ekwaru Francis Echodu, Chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) at Ateuso Primary School in Morungatuny Sub-county, expressed gratitude for the donation. 
He revealed that this was the first time such an initiative had been implemented at the school and was confident that it would enhance education standards.
“Many parents have struggled to buy books for their children,” Echodu said.
“This challenge has contributed to low school attendance. Currently, our enrollment has dropped from 1,250 to 936 pupils. This support will encourage more learners to return to school.”
Obua Julius, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairperson of Ateuso Primary School, stressed the need for further interventions, including the improvement of school infrastructure.
He called for the construction of teachers’ houses, a school kitchen, and a boarding section.
“We also need additional desks and more PTA teachers to help manage the high teacher-pupil ratio,” Julius added.
The initiative has also been warmly received by pupils themselves.
Learners like Itau Evelyn and Okello Joel from Ateuso Primary School expressed their appreciation for the support, stating that they now have the necessary materials to focus on their studies.
Olaboro’s intervention highlights the dire need for external support in the education sector within Orungo County.
While the donation of writing materials is a step in the right direction, stakeholders have emphasized the necessity of long-term solutions, including infrastructure development and sustained financial aid for schools.
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