Where as when the National Curriculum Development Center rolled out the new lower secondary curriculum we got excited and a sigh of relief, it has instead turned out the most difficult program and a nightmare in year three of implementation.
Being New, a number of players are in guess work especially the teachers in the countryside. The training undertaken by NCDC which at most is always 3-5 days cannot make the best outcome.
An observation of the type of learning in different schools lacks the standardization criteria as some teachers seem to be glued to the old curriculum. The end of year reports produced by the different schools at the end of the year lacked uniformity.
The worst scenario is that we are in second term of year 3 of implementation of the curriculum and apart from NCDC promising to distribute learning materials to schools during the holidays, we have closed the holidays without any of the promises.
We only see the Media Houses advertising for learning materials for form three for a few subjects.
Whereas some and majority schools are waiting for NCDC to supply the materials, a few schools could not wait and got some copies to make the learning process continue.
Remember we lost a term and never to be recovered. UNEB will set exams depending on the entire 4 year cycle and I doubt we can catch up for the lost time.
Even when we try to buy a few copies for use, they are not enough for all the learners given that the new curriculum emphasizes research with critical thinking.
It’s therefore our prayer that NCDC comes to our rescue and provide the required information and materials for standardization purposes.
Henry Munaaba Dhikusooka is an Educationist and Director of St. Michael Schools
