Karamoja Teacher's Sacrifice: Teaching for Food Amidst Scarcity

In the remote village of Nakaperimoru, Kotido District, John Meron Loibe, a 25-year-old with A-Level education, found himself teaching at PAG Destiny Kids’ Academy. Due to the school’s isolated location and limited resources, attracting qualified teachers is a constant struggle. Many, like Loibe, possess basic qualifications but are not on the government payroll, making monetary salaries difficult.

Loibe, who had aspired to attend university but lacked the funds, accepted payment in the form of maize and beans, the staple foods of the Karamoja region. He received 10 kilograms of beans and 20 kilograms of maize monthly, supplemented by a small Shs50,000 allowance at the end of each term. This arrangement, while financially challenging, allowed him to survive while seeking further opportunities.

His situation is not unique. Many rural schools in Uganda rely on “licensed teachers”—individuals who may not have formal qualifications but are crucial for maintaining educational continuity. These teachers often volunteer or work for minimal compensation, sometimes receiving food or small stipends, as official government positions are scarce and highly competitive.

Despite the hardships, Loibe’s dedication paid off when he secured a scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation to pursue a Bachelor of Adult and Community Education at Makerere University. His transition leaves a gap in his former school, underscoring the ongoing need for sustained educational support in Karamoja. While Loibe’s story is one of personal triumph, it also illuminates the systemic challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers in underserved areas of Uganda, where the cost of education and living often present insurmountable barriers.