Dokolo, Uganda | Ayira Community School in Akut Village, Alenga Parish, Dokolo Sub-county is facing a sanitation crisis, with only two pit latrines available for over 800 pupils.
Education stakeholders warn this poses a serious health risk if not urgently addressed.
The school also lacks adequate classroom blocks, staff offices, desks, and teacher accommodation.
The library is housed in a leaking mud structure, and most of the teaching staff are paid by parents due to lack of government support.
PTA Chairperson Charles Collines Okello said all development at the school has depended on parent contributions, which are now a heavy burden on the community.
LC1 Secretary Odongo Patrick added that the school shares a single borehole with the entire community.
He recalled past health issues linked to the use of contaminated water from an open well, underscoring the urgency of improving both sanitation and water access.
Teacher Walter Olade highlighted the daily struggles, including lack of toilets, desks, and salaries for teachers.
He said pupils sit on wooden seats borrowed from a nearby church, which are often taken away during funerals.
Olade revealed that only the acting head teacher is paid by government but the rest of the staff are supported by parents.
Dokolo Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Adoko Bosco, said the sub-county has built two classroom blocks, drilled a borehole, and provided some desks.
He acknowledged that latrine construction is a priority in their future plans.
Local leaders are now appealing to government to onboard Ayira Community School as a government-aided institution to ease the burden on parents and improve learning conditions.
