Compiled by: Alfred Jawok

PAKWACH. Following the recently released Primary leaving examinations 2023 where Zombo district got only 48 candidates in division one compared to 51 candidates in 2022, leaders say a lot must be done to improve on the learner’s performances.

During a meeting with all head teachers of government aided schools from Zombo district held on 17th February 2024 at Paidha cultural Centre, Innocent Onega Godfrey LCIII chairperson Paidha town council attributed the poor performance of learners to rampant disco dances within the district.

Onega noted that head teachers should be blamed for the poor performance in the district as many head teachers of aided government schools are reluctant.

Innocent Onega Godfrey LCIII chairperson Paidha town council

“I suggests that automatic promotion to the next class should be abolished”.

Innocent Onega Godfrey, LCIII chairperson Paidha town council

Pascal Oyirwoth head teacher Kango primary school who represented schools which performed below expectation, outlined some of the challenges in which learners never committed themselves to learning hence poor performance.

However, Nicholas Odeba, Zombo district education officer highlighted challenges of teachers’ absenteeism, late coming and unprofessional behavior among the head teachers. Nicholas Odeba further added that Zombo district does not have quality School Management Committees to monitor the smooth running of the schools.

Hon Esther Afoyocan, Zombo district Woman Member of Parliament

In the meantime, Zombo district woman member of Parliament Hon Esther Afoyocan who doubles as commissioner of Parliament urges the head teachers to work together with the district leadership to address staff management.

Hon Esther Afoyocan equally observed that inadequate parental support to their children also causes poor performances since parents have neglected to check on their children at school.

“the purpose of the engagement is to ensure that government schools can draw a strategy to perform well like private schools in the district”.

Hon Esther Afoyocan, Zombo district woman Member of Parliament

Zombo district had a total of 2,189 candidates registered for 2023 Primary Leaving Examination but only 48 were in first grade,792 in second grade and 684 candidates in division three.