A surge in teenage pregnancies and school dropouts at St. Triza Mundere Girls High School has prompted a stern warning from Busia County Education Board Chairperson, Prof Okumu Bigambo, who has described the crisis as a “societal failure.”
Prof. Bigambo, who was the Chief Guest at the school’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), disclosed that the institution currently has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Busia County.
He condemned what he termed a worrying trend in which some parents are complicit, opting to settle matters privately with the families of the boys involved rather than pursuing justice or protecting their daughters’ education.
“This is not merely a school problem; it reflects deep-rooted societal negligence,” he said. “By turning a blind eye or negotiating behind closed doors, some parents are actively undermining the future of our girls.”
He further raised alarm over the increasing number of female students dropping out of school to seek domestic work in urban centres, attributing the trend to a lack of motivation and parental guidance.
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“Education is no longer being valued in some homes. Girls are leaving school with ease and little resistance. This must change if we are to see meaningful progress,” he added.
While acknowledging the robust support from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has enhanced infrastructure and other academic programs, Prof. Bigambo emphasised that financial input alone is not enough.
“We are grateful for CDF backing, but real progress will only come when parents meet their obligations — including clearing school fees and actively supporting learning programs,” he asserted.
Prof. Bigambo also urged parents to register for the School Health Assurance (SHA) scheme, stressing its importance in safeguarding students’ well-being and reducing preventable absenteeism.
The AGM concluded with renewed commitments from parents, school administrators, and education stakeholders to tackle the root causes of early pregnancies and dropouts. Stakeholders also pledged to reinforce discipline and promote the value of education within the community.
As Busia grapples with mounting social challenges in the education sector, Prof. Bigambo’s remarks are expected to spark a serious debate and calls for urgent, collective action.
By Godfrey Walamwa
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