By Tolit Ivan
Mega FM, the leading radio station in Northern Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports has donated 160 “Leb Acholi” textbooks to four secondary schools to support the teaching of the Acholi language.
The benefiting schools include; Koro Secondary School, Gulu High School, Gulu Central High School, and Gulu Senior Secondary School.
Jimmy Owani, the Head Teacher of Gulu Central High School commended Mega FM for the kind donation, saying the text books will help to enhance the teaching and learning of Acholi language “Leb Acholi”.
Irene Mwaka, the head teacher of Gulu Senior Secondary school, said many students are interested in studying Leb Acholi but have been hindered by the shortage of textbooks and other instructional materials.
While handing over the books on Tuesday, Irene Atek, the Station Manager Mega FM, urged the students to take the study of Leb Acholi seriously, saying the language offers both cultural and economic opportunities.
She noted that proficiency in Acholi is increasingly becoming valuable in translation, broadcasting, research, and cultural documentation, yet there are still very few qualified translators.
The donation comes amid growing concern over the decline in the use of the Acholi language, particularly among young people.
Recently, Rwot David Onen Acana II, the Paramount Chief of Acholi, called for the compulsory teaching of Leb Acholi in schools across the sub region, warning that the language is facing rapid erosion.
