By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti City West Member of Parliament David Calvin Echodu has extended food support to 12 government-aided primary schools in his constituency to ease the burden of feeding Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) candidates during the two-day national examinations.

The support, delivered on November 3, comprised 50 kilogrammes of rice and 25 kilogrammes of meat for each beneficiary school, aimed at ensuring that candidates have access to meals as they sit their final primary school examinations.

The intervention follows concerns raised by school administrators over challenges in providing meals to candidates, with many schools struggling to mobilise resources amid financial difficulties faced by parents.

For years, some government-aided schools have relied on contributions from parents to cater for candidates' meals during examinations. However, administrators say the arrangement has often proved difficult because many families cannot afford the additional costs.

The 12 beneficiary schools are Onyakai Primary School, Pamba Primary School, Father Hilders Primary School, Nakatunya Primary School, Arapai Primary School, Agora Primary School, Amuda Primary School, Amoru Primary School, Agora-Dokolo Primary School, Amen Primary School, Oderai Primary School and Orwadai Stars Nursery and Primary School.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Enock Opio, the NRM chairperson for Soroti City West Division and coordinator of Echodu's activities, said the intervention was intended to ease the financial pressure on schools and parents while allowing candidates to concentrate on their examinations.

Opio disclosed that Echodu had supported PLE candidates with feeding arrangements for the past three years.

He also appreciated residents of Soroti City West for their cooperation and peaceful conduct during the implementation of community activities.

Conveying the legislator's message to the candidates, Opio encouraged them to remain confident and give their best during the examinations.

“He loves you, do your best. He believes you have worked hard, and this is the time to reap from your efforts. The Lord is with you,” Opio quoted Echodu as telling the candidates.

Apeduno Ann, the headteacher of Father Hilders Primary School, welcomed the support, saying the institution had been struggling to mobilise resources to feed its candidates because it does not charge school fees.

“We have been struggling because we do not charge school fees. We had been looking for ways of getting resources to buy food for our pupils sitting examinations, but Echodu’s support has helped us,” she said.

Alung Everline, the deputy headteacher of Pamba Primary School, said the donation would enable the school to provide meals without placing additional financial demands on parents.

“We had challenges feeding the children because we do not receive contributions from parents. We are humbled by this support because our pupils will now be well fed during the examination period,” she said.

Aisha Dina Rhoda, a councillor representing Oderai-Majengo, who collected food supplies on behalf of Majengo Primary School, said the donation would improve candidates' welfare during the examinations.

At Orwadai Stars Nursery and Primary School, Edonyu Moses, together with the chairperson of LC1 Orwadai Cell C, welcomed the supplies, describing the intervention as timely.

Apako Esther, a teacher at Arapai Primary School, also appreciated the legislator for responding to the school's feeding needs.

“This is very good support and a sign of leadership and concern for the people. We appreciate the assistance extended to our pupils,” she said.

Meanwhile, Olinga Moses, the headteacher of Onyakai Primary School, said the school had been facing difficulties because many parents were struggling financially.

“We had no option because our parents have been complaining about a lack of money. We thank God for bringing this support to our school,” he said.

The intervention comes amid wider concerns about the welfare of candidates in government-aided schools, where limited resources and household financial constraints can affect the provision of basic necessities during national examinations.

School administrators said the food supplies would help ensure that candidates receive meals throughout the examination period, enabling them to focus on their examinations without additional concerns about feeding.