MP: Hon. George Oketcho (West Budama South, NRM)
Ministry: Ministry of Education and Sports
Topic: Addressing high school dropout rates and teenage pregnancy in Tororo District
Question to the Minister of Education and Sports:
“Could the Honourable Minister inform this House what specific interventions the Ministry has put in place to combat the alarming rate of school dropouts and teenage pregnancies in Tororo District, particularly in West Budama South Constituency, and what immediate measures are being taken to ensure affected girls can return to and complete their education?”
Background Information by Hon. Oketcho:
1. Current Situation in West Budama South:
- School dropout rate stands at 35% among girls aged 13-18
- 42% of these dropouts are due to teenage pregnancies
- Only 18% of pregnant teenagers return to school after delivery
- Poverty affects 65% of families in the constituency
2. Specific Concerns:
- Inadequate sanitary facilities: 70% of schools lack proper changing rooms
- Distance to schools: Average walking distance is 5km for secondary students
- Lack of bursary schemes: No government-sponsored bursaries for vulnerable girls
- Cultural practices: Early marriages in Iyolwa, Kisoko, and Mella sub-counties
3. Previous Interventions:
- Universal Secondary Education (USE) program exists but lacks gender focus
- Teenage Pregnancy Policy lacks implementation at district level
- No dedicated counseling in 85% of secondary schools