TotalEnergies embarks on education support initiative in Buliisa

Buliisa: TotalEnergies has launched a comprehensive education support initiative aimed at improving learning conditions in Buliisa District through infrastructure development, capacity building, and supply of learning materials.

According to , the company has handed over various educational facilities to Kisomere and Kirama Primary Schools as part of the intervention. These include; six newly constructed classrooms, 16 staff housing units, 20 improved latrine units, rehabilitation of 21 existing classrooms and supply of 2,600 textbooks and reading materials.

In addition, over 90 teachers have been trained in child protection, reproductive health, and child retention strategies. Training has also been extended to school management committees and parent-teacher association (PTA) members in areas of educational leadership and governance.

Groueix noted that these efforts align with TotalEnergies’ wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in the Albertine Region, which include; 377 secondary school scholarships, 100 nursing and midwifery scholarships, skills training for hundreds of youth, distribution of over 7,000 solar lamps to households and institutions, support to local health facilities and agricultural development programs benefiting more than 10,000 households.

Jeremiah Nyagah, National Director of World Vision, TotalEnergies’ implementing partner, stated that classroom congestion has been a major challenge in the district.

“Previously, a single classroom at Kisomere Primary School would host up to 150 pupils. With the new classrooms, the number will drop to about 90 pupils per class,” Nyagah said.

Denis Isingoma, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, urged parents to utilize government programs such as the Parish Development Model to improve household incomes and better support their children’s education.

Fred Lukumu, Buliisa District Chairman, also called on parents to prioritize education over early marriages. “Don’t be misled by small dowries. Educating your child is more valuable in the long run,” Lukumu emphasized.

Tyson Kasangaki, District Education Officer, appreciated TotalEnergies for the support, noting it will significantly reduce overcrowding in classrooms.

He explained that of the 31 government-aided schools in the district, 22 were inspected with World Vision to assess needs. 11 schools were shortlisted, but only two—Kisomere and Kirama—were selected due to budget limitations.

“We plan to deploy more teachers to match the increase in classrooms,” Kasangaki assured.

At Kirama Primary School, headteacher Darlison Wandera highlighted improvements for learners with special needs.

“The classrooms and latrines now have ramps, allowing children with disabilities to move freely. We also appreciate the bathrooms built near girls’ latrines, which will improve menstrual hygiene,” she said.

The school currently has an enrollment of 617 pupils.

At Kisomere Primary School, headteacher Tommy Okello reported a student population of 1,518 pupils—828 boys and 690 girls.

Okello called on parents to enroll their children in the improved schools and ensure that pupils come with scholastic materials and lunch to support their learning.

He also cautioned the community against vandalism and theft of school property.

“With decent staff quarters and improved classrooms, teacher absenteeism will reduce, which in turn will lower the dropout rate and improve academic performance,” he added.

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