Leaders root for girl-child education

GULU. Nwoya District chairman Patrick Okello Oryema has said authorities in the district are drafting a by-law that will emphasise career guidance and girl-child education right from an early age to help parents realise the importance of the girl- child education.

“As a district, the education ordinance is in the pipeline to guide both the community and partners in education on what should be done to keep our children in school,” he said.
Mr Oryema was speaking at celebrations to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence organised by Action for Development (Acfode) at Taks Centre in Gulu last Friday.
The theme was: From peace in the home to peace in the world: Make education safe for all.

The Acfode executive director, Ms Regina Bafaki, said it is beneficial to educate a girl-child explaining that educated girls are more likely to improve the lives of their families.
“Without education, girls are more likely to marry young, have children early yet when they are given the opportunity to receive education, they are more likely to improve on their own lives and those of their families thus helping in breaking the cycle of poverty,” Ms Bafaki said.
Nwoya District education officer Richard Irwenyo said girl- child education has on various occasions been hindered by early marriages and pregnancies.
“Some girls are married off by their parents for quicker benefits, and as school administrators, when we intervene, we are always frustrated by parents who decline to back us up when investigations kick-off,” he said.

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