Undergraduate Projects/Long Essays

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Browsing Undergraduate Projects/Long Essays by Author "Akumu, Lily Grace"

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    The Impact Of Armed Conflict On Primary Education Among The Acholi Of Northern Uganda Since 1990
    (Tangaza University College/Saint Mary's University Minnesota, 2003) Akumu, Lily Grace
    This research focused on the impact of armed conflict on primary education among the Acholi of northern Uganda since 1990. The researchers used survey and case study designs. The study was carried out in nine schools in Gulu and Kitgum Districts. The sample groups were the heatdteachers, teachers, pupils, and parents. The instruments used to elicit the data were questionnaires and an interview guide. The following research questions guided the study: i. What is the impact of armed conflict on primary education in Acholiland on enrolment and performance since 1990? What has been the contribution of the government, the Church, the NGOs and the Acholi community towards primary education since 1990? The results of the research show that thousands of primary children were affected by the conflict situation. Some of these children are out of school either because of abdttaicn.,. destruction of schools, domestic responsibilities, displacement, or because they could not meet the cost of some scholastic materials. The children abducted welt traumatized because of the experiences they have had with the rebels. Most of them were forced into brutal killing of innocent people including their parents. Some of them especially the girls had been sexually abused and infected with diseases. Those enrolled in schools were faced with overcrowag in classes, few teachers, and inadequate facilities. Meanwhile, the school dropouts especially the adolescents were involved in petty businesses, alcoholism, family responsibilities, and early marriages. In order to improve primary education in Acholiland, the government should 'do the following. First, the government should find ways of ending the war through a peaceful resolution by engaging in constructive dialogue with the LRA. Secondly, the government should work in close collaboration with the stakeholders in order to promote peace and to create an environment that can enhance effective learning. Thirdly, the government through the Ministry of Education and Sports needs to incorporate some conflict resolution and peace education programs in the primary school curriculum. This would be vital in the preparation of children on how to be involved in peace resolution. The government should protect the rights of all children in the Acholi conflict zone by protecting them from abduction and forceful recruitment in the army. These will improve the standards of primary education in Acholiland. The LRA should end all forceful abduction, cruel and degrading punishments, and deliberate and arbitrary killings of innocent children. The Church through the ARLPI should continue to support reconciliation and peace building. She should continue to be involved as a mediator for peace negotiation between the rebels and the LRA. Finally, the Acholi community should be committed to seek ways to end the war through peaceful negotiation. Their quest and commitment to bring peace in Acholiland can be a powerful voice to the government, LRA and the international bodies.