PTA ban leaves Gulu schools without cooks, support staff

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Gulu, Uganda | URN | Government-aided primary schools in Gulu District are struggling to maintain support services after the government banned mandatory Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions. It has forced schools to lay off cooks and other staff previously paid for by parents.

Head teachers and teachers say the loss of cooks means teachers who previously ate meals prepared at school now have to leave school during the day to find food, with some walking long distances to their homes.

Agnes Oyela, the head teacher of Lukodi Primary School in Bungatira Sub-county, told Uganda Radio Network that the school laid off two cooks after the new directive took effect.

Oyela said the changes have made it difficult for teachers to manage their schedules, particularly because some live far from the school.