Soroti Headteacher Urges Parent Support as Pregnant Girls Prepare for PLE

As primary school pupils across Uganda gear up for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), educational leaders in Soroti City are calling on parents and guardians to provide crucial backing for vulnerable candidates. At Kichinjaji Primary School, headteacher Alfred Enyidu has highlighted the plight of three pregnant candidates, including one pupil who gave birth just a month ago.

Speaking during a recent briefing at the school, Mr. Enyidu urged the community to show empathy and ensure the girls receive the physical and emotional support needed to complete their exams. To facilitate the young mother, the school has permitted a relative to stay on the premises during exam days to assist with childcare. Mr. Enyidu emphasized that early pregnancy does not spell the end of an academic journey, echoing national policies by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) that allow pregnant and nursing students to sit their tests.

Logistical preparations are also in full swing across Soroti City. Simon Opolot, the city inspector of schools, noted that 3,440 candidates are registered for the examinations. He encouraged learners to stay calm and directed private school owners to allow all registered children to sit for tests regardless of outstanding tuition balances, advising schools to handle financial disputes separately with parents.

To safeguard candidates’ health during the tests, Kichinjaji Primary School organized a campus meal plan. Parents agreed to a Shs 18,000 contribution to provide uniform lunches, preventing potential stomach upsets from outside food. Meanwhile, local leaders and education administrators have urged candidates to maintain clear handwriting, avoid overconfidence, and remain vigilant against exploitation as they complete their primary education.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.