Educationists call for stronger parental supervision as learners break off for holidays

BY: Umaru Ssenyonjo

The Chairperson of the National Private Education Institutions Association, Hasadu Kirabira, has warned that inadequate parental supervision during school holidays is exposing learners to risks, including teenage pregnancies and other social challenges.

Kirabira says some parents are unable to adequately supervise their children at home because of demanding work schedules, while others are uncomfortable having their children stay at home for extended periods without proper arrangements.

Speaking exclusively to Sanyu FM, Kirabira said some parents prefer leaving their children at school, even when there are no ongoing lessons, because they consider the home environment less safe.

“When learners go back home, you get issues of coupling, you get issues of pregnancy. Some parents are not at home, actually,” Kirabira said.

He explained that some parents even request schools to retain learners until the long holiday, when they can make arrangements for them to travel to their villages or stay under the supervision of other relatives.

“In most cases, parents fear to stay with learners at home. So they opt to leave them at school until the long holiday, when they have a long-term plan for them to go to the village,” he added.

Kirabira noted that some parents facilitate schools to keep their children even when they are not actively engaged in academic activities, while others prefer leaving them under the care of their teachers.

He says the situation highlights the need for increased parental sensitisation and education on how to take responsibility for children during school holidays.

His remarks come as Senior Four candidates conclude their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations and prepare for an extended holiday, with the third-term school holiday also approaching.