Analyzing the level of school preparedness to flood occurrences in Bwaise III, Kawempe division

Abstract

Floods are frequent and widespread natural hazards with severe socio-economic losses and environmental impacts. Floods impact the school sector with serious implications on the enrollment attendance, internal efficiency increasing drop outs and children with disabilities are limited to accessing basic education. Studies focusing on flood occurrences have been conducted across the globe. Studies focusing on school preparedness towards flood occurrences are not prevalent. This study therefore aimed at assessing levels of school preparedness towards flood occurrences in Bwaise III, Kawempe Division. A cross sectional research approach was undertaken using mixed approaches (qualitative and quantitative methods) where simple random sampling was employed in selection of 62 teachers and headteachers from 13 selected primary and Secondary schools. Data was collected through field surveys, interviews and direct field observations; and then analyzed using thematic content analysis where descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) were generated in Microsoft excel spread sheets and then presented inform of tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study findings revealed that of the school teachers and heads reached out in the study, 69.4 percent reported that they were constantly affected by flood disasters and 30.6 percent reported that they have never experienced any disasters. Schools reported to have put in place flood preparedness strategies and 38.7 percent of the respondents agreed that they have put in place educational continuity plans to handle the recurring flood disasters. However, 24.2 percent of the respondents disagreed to not having any continuity plans in place. Physical protection measures are taken by schools to protect students and staff as agreed by 45.1 percent of the respondents. These included building strong walls and raising the building floors to reduce the flood disaster impacts. The buildings are further maintained regularly as agreed upon by 45.1 percent of the school teachers and head teachers