To execute the Uganda Non – State Schools Assessment Study in 31 Districts
With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Makerere University School of Public Health – ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) is in partnership with University of Notre Dame to conduct the Uganda Non – State Schools Assessment Study. USAID is funding this study under the Supporting Holistic and Actionable Research in Education (SHARE) Program. The study aims at assessing the quality and level of access to education in non-state urban and peri-urban pre-primary and primary schools in Uganda. The study will be conducted in 31 districts of Luweero, Mukono, Mityana, Mpigi, Masaka Busia, Iganga, Jinja, Pallisa, Tororo, Napak, Moroto, Sironko, Katakwi, Kumi, Wakiso, Kawempe, Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, Apac, Arua, Yumbe, Nebbi, Hoima, Kibaale, Kabarole, Kasese, Mbarara, Sheema and Kabale.
General evidence points to the idea that non-state schools provide quality education and good learning outcomes that is comparable to state schools. However, such studies are biased by urbanity, selection bias, varying socioeconomic status, and access and availability of instructional materials among other challenges. Despite the robust evidence of the non-state schools’ contribution to the provision of basic education, there is a scanty research evidence on the quality, level of access, sustainability, and the impact of COVID-19 on the non-state education sector in Uganda. This creates ambiguity on how and whether non-state schools should be supported, regulated, and promoted as one of the routes/options to achieving sustainable Development Goal 4 on education. It is through this study that we shall be in position to assess the quality and level of access to education in non-state urban and peri-urban pre-primary and primary schools in Uganda.
The week of August 28th through September 4th, 2022, saw part of the RAN team pay Pre-Visits to the 31 selected Districts in Uganda. The objective of the Pre-visits was to gain district entry and mobilize the necessary stakeholders who will support the data collection process. It was during the Pre-visits when the RAN team members who visited these districts introduced the study to the District’s Chief Administrative Officers and District Education Officers. The District Officials also supported capturing of data into the data abstraction tool generating non-State school lists in addition to mobilizing the necessary contacts to aid data collection.
Harriet Adong, RAN Director Communications Learning and Knowledge Management engaging with the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)- upfront and District Inspector of Schools -on the right hand side, Jinja District, Uganda during the Pre-visit
Engaging with the Deputy Town Clerk and Municipal Inspector of Schools Tororo Municipal Council
The week starting Monday, September 5th through 9th, 2022 is characterized by training and preparation of research assistants arming them with additional skills to execute the study. This training will be climaxed by a field pilot to test the study tools before we embark on data collection.
Ms. Agnes Nyabigambo, RAN Program Manager, listening to a contribution as feedback from one of the Enumerators during the training session
Compiled by Harriet Adong, RAN Director, Communications Learning and Knowledge Management
Contributor: Dr. Angella Atukunda, RAN Engagement Manager