Some Kapoeta schools close early due to pay delays, food shortage

Some primary schools in Kapoeta have reportedly closed for the second term break before the official closing date over lack of incentives.

“Since teachers do not get the incentives in time, with some receiving after two or three months, they hurry to give the examinations before time,” said Lotorit Charles, acting education director for Kapoeta South County.

According to the 2023 Academic year calendar from the ministry of general education, second term begins 22nd May and ends 26th August 2023.

But some of the schools that have closed include Nachilagur and Lomilmil in Kapoeta South County.

A primary school teacher earns 5,000 SSP plus 3,000 SSP hardship allowance, amounting to 8,000 Pounds – an amount equivalent to 8 US dollars.

In addition, teachers in Kapoeta South County received their June salaries early this month.

Several past reports show that teachers abandon the teaching profession due to little pay and poor working conditions.

Meanwhile, St. Thomas Primary and Secondary School in Kapoeta East has sent learners back home because of lack of food to feed the learners.

The school is one of the institutions which do not depend on the UN World Food Program for its school feeding program.

For a school to qualify for the feeding program, it has to meet some requirements, including a huge number of learners, availability of the storage facility, and  kitchen.