By Vicent Emong
Residents of the Teso sub-region have been urged to change their mindset and place education at the center of family and community development, with leaders warning that failure to educate children risks deepening poverty and limiting future opportunities.
The call was made by Richard Ochom, Mayor of Kumi Municipality, who expressed concern over what he described as persistent negative attitudes toward schooling among some parents and guardians.
Ochom noted that many families continue to cite poverty as the main reason for failing to enroll or retain their children in school. However, he challenged this justification, describing poverty not only as an economic issue but also a mindset that can be overcome through determination and proper planning.
“A society without education is no society. If we fail to educate our children, we are headed for a time bomb,” Ochom warned.
He criticized the tendency of some parents to prioritize non-essential spending, including alcohol and social activities, at the expense of school fees and scholastic materials. According to him, such habits are undermining literacy levels and slowing socio-economic transformation in the region.
The mayor called on families to take full responsibility for their children’s future by ensuring consistent school attendance and active parental support. He encouraged residents to take advantage of government-aided primary and secondary schools, which offer affordable education options, while planning early for higher education costs.
Ochom further emphasized that education remains the most reliable pathway for the Teso community to compete equally with other regions in the country.
“Education is the only sure way we can break the cycle of poverty and give our children a better future,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when local leaders across the sub-region are intensifying sensitization campaigns to improve school enrollment, retention, and academic performance.
Education stakeholders believe that stronger parental involvement and a positive attitude toward schooling will play a critical role in transforming livelihoods and accelerating development in the Teso region.
