By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — Learners in Pallisa District have been urged to take personal responsibility for their education as leaders commissioned a new three-classroom block at Kaboloi Primary School in Pallisa Sub-county.
The call was made by State Minister for Teso Affairs Kenneth Clement Obote Ongalo, who emphasized that while government continues to invest in education infrastructure, success ultimately depends on the commitment and discipline of learners.
“As much as we are going to talk about education, the primary responsible person for your education is you the learners,” Ongalo said. “Parents can pay school fees, teachers can teach, and we can construct buildings, but if you don’t take your education seriously, we are wasting time.”
He warned against the tendency of blaming teachers and government for poor academic performance, urging both parents and learners to reflect on their roles.
“This is not a boarding school. Teachers spend about eight hours with learners, but the rest of the time is spent at home. We must ask ourselves where the greater responsibility lies,” he noted.
Ongalo also criticized parents who overload children with domestic work after school, leaving little time for revision.
“Learning does not end in the classroom. Revision at home is critical for success,” he added.
Pallisa Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Simon Peter Areu highlighted the importance of proper use and maintenance of school infrastructure.
“Construction alone is not enough. Proper utilization, maintenance, and safeguarding of this facility are very important,” Areu said, calling on the school administration and community to take responsibility for the new building.
He stressed that community involvement is key to preserving government investments, especially in rural schools.
Meanwhile, Kaboloi Primary School headmistress Nachomo Olith welcomed the new classrooms but pointed out ongoing challenges affecting the school.
She revealed that the school has only one staff house shared by four teachers, which affects staff welfare and performance.
“This is not sufficient. We need more staff accommodation and classrooms to improve learning conditions and attract qualified teachers,” she said.
Olith added that improving infrastructure would enhance both teaching and learning outcomes.
The commissioning of the classroom block marks a significant milestone in improving access to education in Pallisa Sub-county.
However, leaders emphasized that infrastructure must go hand in hand with accountability from learners, parents, and the community.
The message from the event was clear: while government can provide resources, educational success depends on the dedication of learners, supported by responsible parenting and active community involvement.
