Dokolo District Boss Rewards 216 Pupils in a Bid to Curb Absenteeism

Lango - Dokolo District LCV Chairperson, James Otoo Apili, on Monday awarded exercise books to 216 pupils of Awero-wot Primary School in Agwata Sub-county who reported on the first day. According to the Ministry of Education, the academic year 2025 resumed on February 3, 2025.

According to the school's statistics, Awero-wot Primary School has a total enrollment of 850 pupils, but only 216 learners turned up on the first day.

Otoo Apili emphasized that the initiative aims to motivate pupils to attend school daily and reduce absenteeism, which negatively impacts academic performance.

Additionally, the LCV chairperson extended support to teachers by providing them with sugar and soap.

Tonny Odongo Ocen, the male District Councillor for Agwata Sub-county, urged pupils to attend school regularly to secure a brighter future, calling upon parents to prioritize their children's education.

Denish Sebua, the Head Teacher of Awero-wot Primary School noted that the school performed well in the 2024 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) and requested additional teaching staff, particularly for English subject.

The pupils who received exercise books were overjoyed and pledged to maintain regular school attendance to improve their academic performance.

However, several head teachers across Dokolo District reported low student turnout on the first day of reopening.

James Ayoo, Head Teacher of Aburcero Primary School in Amwoma Sub-county, revealed that only 37 pupils reported out of a total enrollment of 1,476. Similarly, Isaac Okoth, Head Teacher of Awia-lem Primary School in Okwalongwen Sub-county, stated that only 326 learners attended out of 1,245 registered students.

In response, Dokolo District Inspector of Schools, David Livingstone Okello, vowed to conduct an operation targeting school-going children still loitering in villages, following reports of poor attendance in government-aided schools.